The Brumbies ensured they will enter next week's blockbuster with the Queensland Reds undefeated after comfortably beating the Rebels 36-17 at AAMI Park.
The visitors seemed to dominate almost every aspect of the game against a Rebels side which failed to take their chances.
So what did we learn from the Brumbies' victory over the Rebels?
1. Bank on the back three
The Brumbies backline continues to step up and takeover games, with Tom Banks leading the way from the back.
Banks set up two tries, with his best touch coming after the second half where he burst through and opened up the Rebels, showing some great skill and vision to grubber for Tom Wright for his second try of the game. He then sealed the win with a bulldozing run in the 75th minute to cross for a try of his own.
Wright looked dangerous whenever he touched the ball and was well deserving of the double, continuing his hot start to the season.
Rounding out the trio is Jesse Mogg, who hasn’t missed a step since he’s been back, throwing the perfect offload to put Banks in the hole, who eventual drew the fullback for Len Ikitau to score.
2. Using your opportunities
The Rebels started strong, dominating the first ten minutes but once again a lack of execution hurt them badly.
After several chances inside the Brumbies' half, a lack of cohesion showed as they could barely hold onto the ball.
The Brumbies then took one shot at their Rebels line and it landed, with a nice break from Tom Hooper putting them on the front foot. Two phases later, Rob Valetini monstered his way through the defence to score.
At that stage the Brumbies had made 37 tackles. The Rebels had made seven. Score: 7-0 Brumbies.
3. Locked in
The Brumbies just have a way of producing world-class locks.
Nick Frost is the latest in a long line, dominating the Rebels across the park. This was the type of performance that really sends a message to selectors before he heads overseas.
His loss will be massive, but the emergence of debutant Hooper softens the blow.
Hooper was immense on debut, tackling everything that moved whilst constantly taking the ball over the advantage line and through the Rebels defence.
The 21-year-old is a fascinating character and has real cult-hero potential if his first press conference is anything to go by, producing the game to match the sound bites.
4. Shooting themselves in the foot
With seemingly all the injuries in the world, the Rebels didn’t make life easy for themselves when Glen Vaihu tackled Tom Banks in the air.
There was no need whatsoever for the hit, earning a clear yellow card and all of a sudden, it put further pressure on the home side.
Nic White would make them pay minutes later, recognising the overlap from the 5 metre scrum as he produced a lovely pass to Wright to extend the margin before the break.
5. Give the keys
Whilst it was only a brief period from the bench, Carter Gordon showed enough when he came on to justify him getting another chance to start at ten.
Gordon has been floated across the backline and bench in the first three rounds but arguably, the Rebels looked at their best with him at flyhalf and To’omua at 12, combining for a try through Richard Hardwick.
This is where he shined in Trans-Tasman and the Rebels coaching staff need to consider keeping him there for an extended period with their season already in trouble.
