It was played at a Test match intensity so it's almost fitting it ended with a Barrett sinking Australian hearts as the Blues came away with the 21-19 win over the Brumbies.
It's a script fans are all too familiar with as the Blues found a way to cause a late turnover and ultimately seal the victory via a Beauden Barrett drop goal.
So what did we learn?
1.Heartbreaking
You have to feel for the Brumbies.
They did more than enough to secure that game with Billy Pollard’s late try after an incredible showing in front of their fans.
The inability to close out the final 60 seconds cost them in the end but make no mistake - this is a Brumbies team that can seriously make a title push and match it with the best in the competition.
The hopeful return of Rob Valetini only adds to this.
2. All heart
With their backs against the walls throughout the game, the hosts kept themselves in the contest with an inspired defensive performance.
On three occasions in the first half, the Blues were somehow denied by some great scramble defence and even when the goal-line dropout went wrong, the Brumbies pack was there to rescue them.
This was typified down to 13 as the Blues needed a bevy of opportunities to find the line after waves of gutsy defensive plays.
Whilst the try on the siren will frustrate Dan McKellar, the ability to hold them out for so long energised the hosts and regardless of the final result, there's plenty to be proud of.
3. Ill-discipline
Whilst the Brumbies showed they can compete with the best, their ill-discipline came back to haunt them.
They found themselves firmly in the firing line of referee Damon Murphy as a one-sided penalty count quickly emerged, allowing the Blues to rack up nearly twice as many carries.
When you go into the break down 12-1 on the penalty count, it’s always tough to fight back into a contest, especially when it’s against such a good Blues outfit.
Even if Allan Alaalatoa reckons they’ll get an apology midway through the week, it’s something that needs curbing ahead of the finals.
4. Clutch halves
With the game in the balance, it was a pair of clutch moments from both 10s that ultimately decided the game.
Noah Lolesio continues to build his reputation as one of the most reliable kickers under pressure as he slotted the 78th minute from 15 metres in from the sideline to put the Brumbies ahead.
However, it was once again Beauden Barrett that sunk Australian hearts with a piece of magic.
After diving over before the break, Barrett was calm under pressure and slotted the drop goal to seal the win, even if they had an advantage, to keep the Blues' club-record 12-game winning streak alive.
5. Smoking ceremony
Culture Round has been a wonderful initiative, with the smoking ceremony in Canberra a major success.
This followed a moving ceremony at Friday’s Reds-Moana Pasifika game at Suncorp Stadium.
It’s such an important thing to celebrate and specialised rounds like this, including earlier in the day with the Hurricanes’ haka, showcase why Super Rugby Pacific is so special.
