The Brumbies had to dig deep but pulled off a famous 35-25 victory over the Hurricanes.
A red card to Len Ikitau couldn't stop them as they found a way to produce an incredible comeback to ensure Australian representation in the semi-finals.
So what did we learn?
1.Heart
In terms of wins, the Brumbies’ comeback victory over the Hurricanes is the most important by an Australian team in the combined Super Rugby since the Waratahs’ title in 2014.
When Len Ikitau was sent off and the Hurricanes built a ten point lead after the break, it looked like the semifinals were going to be filled by all New Zealand teams, which would have likely undone the major strides the Australian sides had taken in 2022.
However, the Brumbies just had too much fight in them and found a way to get back into the contest when they returned to 15 men, powered on by the likes of Banks, Samu, Hooper and Lolesio.
Jordie Barrett’s missed penalty proved costly as it flipped momentum, allowing the Brumbies to get the crowd into the game and drive them home, keeping the dream alive.
They will need to find another gear to get past the Blues in Auckland but hopefully, they will be boosted by the return of Rob Valetini.
2.Departing heroes shine
In their final game at GIO Stadium, the quartet of leaving Wallabies made sure they get one further week with the Brumby on their chest.
The first three tries came from the departing group as Folau Fainga’a did what he does best and found his way over from a rolling maul before Irae Simone delivered a brutal burst to crash over.
With the game in the balance, Tom Banks produced a trademark effort, burning his man before fighting through contact to dive away, putting the Brumbies in front.
Whilst Scott Sio didn’t cross the line, his influence was felt instantly as he got the turnover, producing several key carries to get the Brumbies home.
3. A tale of two tackles
In a wild five minute period, both teams saw players sent to the sidelines as fans wonder why two different cards were given.
Len Ikitau was first to head off the field, red-carded for a tackle on Aidan Morgan that when looked at by the law book was a clear red card even if there were potential mitigating factors in Nic White dragging Morgan down and adding more force to the incident.
This sparked the Brumbies and they found themselves on the attack when Noah Lolesio was flattened by a high, late shot from Owen Franks. Franks looked certain to receive the same fate as Ikitau, however, Paul Williams ruled shoulder to shoulder contact fractionally before the head-to-head contact.
It’s two correct calls by the law book but when the impact from Lolesio's hit forces him off for an HIA but Morgan doesn’t, yet the tackle on the Hurricane is judged harsher, it’s tough to take for Brumbies fans.
4. What's in a name
There’s something about Hoopers playing flanker that gets them to lift for big occasions.
It's usually a role saved for Michael Hooper but lock turned backrower Tom Hooper was incredible for the Brumbies, powering them home.
The Brumbies were dominated physically early on but it was Hooper that lifted the intensity in defence and got them back into the contest.
It leaves a nice headache for Dan McKellar who will be hoping Valetini will be fit to go for the Blues.
5. Finishers close it out
No team gets more out of their bench than the Brumbies and this was evident tonight.
The injection of Nick Frost and Lachlan Lonergan broke open the game, setting up Tom Banks’ try.
Jahrome Brown tackled everything that moved coming off the bench and pinched a ball late whilst Ollie Sapsford produced a couple of clutch plays.
It speaks to their depth when you can lose a Wallaby inside 20 and still find a way to get back into the contest and over the line, something which has become a hallmark of Dan McKellar's tenure as coach.
