The ACT Brumbies had everything to play for - but the Crusaders played like they had everything to play for.

That was the difference at Canberra Stadium as the Brumbies blew their chance to take the final Super 12 playoff berth with a disappointing 28-21 home loss to the Crusaders.

ACT needed the win to hold out the Highlanders, the NSW Waratahs and Bulls from the remaining semi-final position.

They got one bonus point for finishing within seven points to move to 31 points, three clear of the Highlanders and four of the Waratahs, who both play on Saturday.

The Crusaders, thanks to the frontrunning Blues earlier beating the Hurricanes 29-17, had already secured a home semi-final in Christchurch next weekend.

But while the usually slick Brumbies fumbled and fell off tackles, the Crusaders defended like it was their Super 12 future on the line.

Compounding ACT's pain was a serious injury to Wallaby five-eighth Stephen Larkham, who appeared to dislocate his elbow, while winger Andrew Walker also limped from the field.

"Obviously we're very disappointed," ACT coach David Nucifora said, with the Brumbies missing the semi-finals for the first time in four years.

"We started very well and we started the second half very well but they really starved us of possession.

"When we got possession we did some reasonable things with it, but they were just a bit too good for us tonight."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP