The ACT Brumbies needed all 80 minutes to get it done but Friday's win over the Fijian Drua will do wonders for their 2025 title hopes.
After cantering into half time with a 28-7 lead, the Ponies were caught on the back hoof(ves?) by their visitors before Test stars Tom Wright and Len Ikitau set the tone for Luke Reimer's late cameo in a bonus-point victory.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Here's what we learned:
Brumbies and Wallabies fans would've uttered a quick thanks to the rugby gods after seeing Len Ikitau's impending contract extension.
After a slower start to the season by his lofty standards, Ikitau showed exactly why he's among the nation's most prized backs with a three-try showing that ultimately proved the difference.
Each showcased a different aspect of his game - the first, a crushing run through three defenders from close range; the second, a classic centres' line from width; and finally the engine and nous to support Muirhead out wide for his third.
Ikitau's defence has always been solid but his emergence as a genuine attacking weapon over the past 14 months plus that reliable left boot make a compelling case for either centre berth against the Lions.
His match-up against the Waratahs next week will be one to savour - especially if one Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is fit to play.
Ikitau wasn't the only Test player turning up under Friday night lights.
While Wallabies regulars Tom Wright, Nick Frost, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper all chipped in, it was the performance of a fringe back-row quartet that should have tongues wagging.
Exeter-bound Tom Hooper (10 carries, 14 tackles, 2 turnovers) played like a man possessed across 5-6 against an imposing Fijian pack while Charlie Cale (5 tackle busts, 3 linebreaks) continues to build his case for a Test recall.
Luke Reimer's second-half pair of pilfers are practically trademarked at this point and don't forget the impressive Rory Scott, who was again among his side's best.
Throw in the efforts of Test hooking duo Lachlan Lonergan and Billy Pollard plus the re-emergence of Wallaby forward Blake Schoupp and Cadeyrn Neville and you can see just how deep that Brumbies list goes.
The Fijians were outplayed for at least 60 of the 80 minutes in Canberra but could've easily come away victorious.
Ponipate Loganimasi's outrageous break after half-time opened the floodgates for two quick tries and if Tevita Ikanivere could've held onto that 56th minute maul try, this story might be extolling the Drua's virtues.
Instead, fans are left to rue yet another near miss in 2025 with the Fijians unable to capitalise on their late momentum from a 74th minute lineout deep in ACT territory before conceding a last-gasp try.
Any team that beats the Chiefs should be considered a serious threat and the Drua can and should be playing SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific finals.
But a fourth loss in five weeks coupled with the revamped top-six system means Glen Jackson's side are already on the finals outer - they need a result from next week's clash with the Force in Perth to stay in touch.
Reimer's 80th-minute try against the Drua might prove the defining moment of ACT's 2025 campaign.
Had the flanker failed to cross for his side's sixth five-pointer and not secured a bonus point, the Brumbies would still be below bitter rivals New South Wales, who have a game in hand against the Reds on Saturday.
Instead, Steven Larkham's men have rocketed up the SMARTECH Super Rugby ladder into second place behind the Chiefs ahead of next week's clash with the Tahs in Sydney.
It's an impressive ranking when you consider just how fraught the Brumbies' opening month has been - away trips to Fiji, Auckland and Waikato coupled with a banana-skin pair of Canberra games against the Force and Drua.
ACT will be licking their lips at the month ahead with the Waratahs (away) and Highlanders (home) laying in wait.
Charity jerseys are always for a good cause but few have captured attention - and hearts - like the Brumbies' 2025 kit.
ACT's partnership with Win The Day has produced one of the best jerseys in recent memory with club and sponsor logos hand-drawn by children who are oncology patients.
Prop Blake Schoupp told media earlier this week it was "hugely important for the Brumbies to be involved in causes like this".
"At the Brumbies we pride ourselves on supporting families in need and this charity does that with children with rare forms of cancer," Schoupp said.
“We want to raise awareness of Win The Day and give children opportunities that we usually wouldn’t have, no matter what their circumstances are. It’s awesome to spend time with these children and hear their stories.
