The ACT Brumbies tuned up for next week's finals clash with the tough 24-19 win over the Western Force in Perth.
The Brumbies absorbed significant pressure throughout the match but took their opportunities to get the victory.
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So what did we learn?
Both teams headed into the weekend hoping Saturday’s game still had finals ramifications but their fate was sealed as they took the field to warm up.
Stephen Larkham’s side will face a difficult clash against the Highlanders, one of the few teams used to the freezing conditions that will likely meet them in Canberra.
They will take confidence out of their tough win in Dunedin back in March with Allan Alaalatoa back in the squad.
As for the Reds and Rebels, tough travels to NZ await against the Chiefs and Hurricanes respectively, looking to become the first Australian side to win a finals game across the Tasman
The Force will be disappointed in their return from their significant territory advantage in the first half.
It shows the difference between the elite teams and those pushing for finals contention, with the Brumbies striking twice from their three visits in the opening 20 minutes.
Flyhalf Max Burey was strong on his return to the starting side but they were missing that finishing quality like a Toole or Tom Wright, which proved the difference.
Simon Cron’s side should try and target a player such as Darby Lancaster or Lachlan Anderson after the Rebels’ unfortunate exit from Super Rugby
The Force couldn’t catch a break pre-match with results and the luck continued into the game.
Izack Rodda called it the ‘curse of the 6-2 bench’ after the game and it felt that way as their backline succumbed to several sudden injuries. Hamish Stewart’s 100th game was soured by injury early in the second half and Nic White came off second best after colliding with Tom Horton.
With Sam Spink injured minutes after his inclusion, it left Carlo Tizzano to mark Corey Toole on the wing as their forward-heavy approach backfired.
Tizzano would’ve relished the challenge but ultimately there are not too many out-and-out wingers that can contain Toole, let alone flankers, as he sealed the win with a long-range effort to set up Tom Wright.
Round 15 has been a showcase for the emerging stars in Super Rugby, with Ronan Leahy the latest star to step up for the Force.
Leahy caused the Brumbies troubles when he got into space and has shown over the past fortnight he deserves a great role in 2025.
The Australia U20s vice-captain will have a big role to play in July at the World Championships alongside Reds half Harry McLaughlin-Philips and hopefully Waratahs star Max Jorgensen pending his fitness.
2023 team-mates Jack Bowen, Tim Ryan, Tom Lynagh and Darby Lancaster all had strong games throughout the weekend to show the talent coming through the system.
The Brumbies front-row depth will be tested after Blake Schoupp’s return lasted less than five minutes before the luckless prop succumbed to a shoulder injury.
Schoupp was making his return from a similar injury, thrown straight into the deep end after James Slipper’s calf strain.
With Slipper racing the clock to be fit for Saturday’s quarter-final against the Highlanders, it places heavy pressure on Harry Vella to deliver after going 75 minutes.
Along with this, coach Stephen Larkham will be hoping Corey Toole pulls through strong after limping in the final minutes following an unsuccessful chase for a kick.
