The Brumbies needed all 80 minutes - and some - to put the Highlanders to bed in a thrilling Round 7 SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific clash.
Trailing 22-20 with 18 minutes to play, it took tries from ACT trio Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Len Ikitau to seemingly seal the deal before Caleb Tangitau's 80th-minute effort set up a thrilling finale.
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Here's what we learned:
If the entire match had played out like the final 30 minutes, this game would be etched in Super Rugby folklore.
But if we're being brutally honest, this was a pretty ugly game from the Ponies.
Aside from a dominant scrum (more on that later) and the late fireworks from Muirhead, Toole and Ikitau, the Brumbies looked lethargic for much of the contest and will be thankful for the upcoming bye weekend.
The Highlanders looked far more dangerous in attack, defended with better intent,and looked for all love and money like they'd force golden point in the Aussie capital.
If one was to describe the Ponies' performance, it'd be a bit like Allan Alaalatoa's ear - bloodied, bruised, but still hanging on.
Behind by two points in the 62nd minute, ACT needed a spark and found it in Corey Toole.
Having earned one of the earliest yellow cards in Super Rugby history after his high shot from the kick-off (nine seconds from our count), Corey Toole redeemed himself with two clutch plays in the dying stages.
First, his 62nd minute finish in the right corner from a slick scrum move to put his side ahead.
But more important was his kick ahead and regather to force a scrum before laying on the final pass to put Andy Muirhead in the 72nd minute.
Len Ikitau's last-gasp try may have been the eventual matchwinner but ACT don't get that far ahead without the Wagga Waratahs flyer.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph will be left ruing another scrum capitulation after his side were skewered up front once more.
The 'Landers front row would've had nightmares after last week's horror show against the Reds and it didn't get any better in Canberra as Alaalatoa and Rhys van Nek led the charge.
The Brumbies set the tone early with a 16th minute scrum penalty - the first of five to none against - and each played a key role in halting the 'Lander's general play dominance.
James Slipper also forced a crucial 28th minute penalty that led to Alaalatoa's try while van Nek's introduction in the 50th minute was vital.
Blake Schoupp, Billy Pollard and Liam Bowron all deserve mention as well - six points to the six piggies up front.
Caleb Tangitau isn't just knocking on the All Blacks' door after another two-try performance - he's nearly blown off the bloody hinges.
The Auckland and All Black Sevens junior's decision to seek greener pastures in Dunedin has paid off in spades with Tangitau now regarded among Super Rugby Pacific's top wingers and Scott Robertson should be having more than a look.
His combination of raw pace with strength in contact is reminiscent of namesake Caleb Clarke when he first burst onto the scene and at just 22 years old, there's no telling how much better he'll become.
His last-gasp try down the right touchline to set up a grandstand finish was simply sublime - not many, if any, in Super Rugby Pacific can pull that off.
ACT fans will be happy to see the back of Tangitau but Australian fans might be seeing a lot more of him.
Who in Australian sport - let alone rugby - would've picked this statistic prior to the start of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific 2025?
But facts are facts: Australian teams and New Zealand teams (discounting Moana Pasifika) are Even Stevens with four wins apiece in Trans Tasman clashes at the Round 7 mark.
Admittedly, three of those four wins have come against the Highlanders with the Brumbies joining NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds as victors over Jamie Joseph's men while ACT can add a Round 4 Blues triumph to their ledger.
The cynical Australian punter would challenge this further and include the Reds' and Force's victories over Moana Pasifika but this masthead knows New Zealanders only claim Tana Umaga's side as their own when they're winning.
Next week sees another two Trans-Tasman clashes on offer with the Chiefs hosting Queensland and the Force hosting the Highlanders - how will the ledger look after Round 8?
