The Brumbies produced their grittiest performance of 2024 to end the Hurricanes’ eight-game streak in Canberra.
Coming off the back of a 39-point loss to the Blues in Auckland, ACT were an entirely different side at home with three early tries paving way for an 27-19 upset win.
Tamati Tua shone for the hosts, who also welcomed back Allan Alaalaatoa from a long injury lay-off.
Here’s what we learnt:
Three tries in a 15-minute blitz laid the platform for Stephen Larkham’s side against the Canes.
Noah Lolesio’s fine 4th minute finish in the corner sparked further tries to Tamati Tua and Ollie Sapsford as the Brumbies stormed out to a 21-5 lead.
The Hurricanes fought back through a Xavier Numea double to trail 24-12 at oranges but ACT were never headed as Noah Lolesio kept turning the screws with with three pointers and pin-point kicks out of hand.
There was no other option for best on ground – Tamati Tua was simply superb.
The Brumbies inside centre left no prisoners against his Kiwi countrymen, scoring an early try and bending the line countless times in attack.
Tua finished with 16 carries, two linebreaks and didn’t miss a tackle in a fine display marking All Black star Jordie Barrett.
Tom Wright also excelled at fullback for the Brumbies while his opposite Reuben Love continues to impress for the Canes.
Brumbies skipper Ryan Lonergan admitted ACT's review of last week's Blues loss was pretty grim so it's no surprise the halfback was all smiles following a vastly-improved performance against the Canes.
"We needed a response and that's exactly what we delivered," Lonergan told Stan Sports post-game.
"We lacked intensity heading into the Blues week … so it was positive to roll that out tonight."
After holding less than 30% possession and 45% against the Blues, the Brumbies dominated both areas against the Canes, especially in a controlled final 10 minutes (90% for each).
It's exactly the performance expected of the Brumbies at home - now it's just a matter of consistency.
Saturday afternoon was easily the Canes' worst to date - and captain Brad Shields knew it.
Post-game, the Hurricanes skipper was scathing of his side's failure to retain possession and described the result as a "kick up the arse".
"It's a blood tough place to come and play but we weren't clinical enough," Shields told Stan Sports post-game.
16 turnovers and 41 missed tackles tells the story, yet it's daunting to think the Canes ran the Brumbies that close when clearly they were off the boil.
They'll return home to face the Tahs next week and won't leave NZ again during the regular season - expect a few more wins in their column before long.
Blake Schoupp's Super Rugby season could be in jeopardy following what appeared a serious injury in the 72nd minute.
The Wallaby prop fell awkwardly on his left shoulder in a scrum collapse and was visibly distressed before being attended to and escorted from the field with green whistle in hand.
Schoupp's been influential as part of the Brumbies' "bomb squad" and would be a huge loss if scans confirm a long-term injury - watch this space.
