The Brumbies were a class above as they cruised to victory over the Reds 52-24 at a wet Suncorp.
Stephen Larkham's side were dominant after a spirited first-half effort from the hosts and continue to bolster their title credentials week by week.
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As for the Reds, they have some soul-searching to do as they cling onto a spot in the eight
So what did we learn?
1. HANGING IN THE BALANCE
The Reds face a dangerous trip to Samoa to take on Moana Pasifika in a game that could make or break their finals campaign.
The manner of the defeat will concern Brad Thorn and you could see the hurt when he spoke post-match after the Reds fell away from the contest in the second half. It’s not the first time it’s happened this season, reminiscent of their opener against the Hurricanes.
Even with the Brumbies missing a dozen more tackles, the discipline remains well off, conceding 15 penalties.
The signs were there in the first half but if they don’t shape up next Friday, they could be in for a rude shock against a Pasifika side that pushed the Crusaders all the way. Like the Drua, Aaron Mauger’s side will take plenty of emotion into the historic clash and will be motivated to perform.
2. STATEMENTS AFTER SNUBBINGS
The Brumbies-Reds clashes are always a mini-Wallaby trial, with Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio shining for their respective sides after their omissions from Eddie Jones' first squad.
McDermott’s starring moment was his sensational 55m solo effort in the first half, spinning past multiple defenders before stepping the fullback to score untouched.
The repeat effort to not only make the tackle on Ryan Lonergan after Tom Wright’s break but then win the pilfer penalty would’ve delighted Jones.
Meanwhile, Lolesio grew into the game and found success early taking the line on. He then kicked a crucial 50-22 in the 20th minute before sharp ends set up Ben O’Donnell minutes later.
He was perfect from the boot with several difficult conversions in testing conditions. Whilst he has generally shared the duties with Debreczeni, he went close to the full 80 in a controlled performance.
3. BRAIN SNAP
There are some red cards that are debated for days as the crackdown on high contact continues. Angus Blyth’s won’t be one of them.
It was a clear-as-day red card even if Ben O’Keeffe went the long way by initially giving a yellow to allow the review system to upgrade it well and surely before the eight-minute deadline.
The argument that could be made is whether it deserved a full red card rather than 20 minutes. There was no intent to duck and the contact left Corey Toole dazed and struggling for balance, ruled out for the rest of the game and next week's clash with the Fijian Drua.
It’s another case of the Reds making games harder than they needed to be and Blyth's devastation was on full display as the ruling was confirmed.
4. EMBARASSEMENT OF RICHES
Eddie Jones has some serious selection headaches in that back three such as the form of some of the Wallabies’ most exciting players.
Tom Wright was everywhere for the Brumbies, throwing a great ball to set up O’Donnell in the corner. He then found himself sitting down for ten after a freak grubber from Jordan Petaia split the game open when the Brumbies were building momentum.
It’s this play that gets the glory but Jones will likely be more pleased with his chase of McDermott’s clearing box kick in the 11th minute, winning the ball back.
Wright had the last laugh and his late break from inside his own half showcased his under-rated work-rate
It’s a question of how do you fit everyone in with Marika Koroibete named in the World Rugby TOTY whilst Mark Nawaqanitawase, Andrew Kellaway and breakout star Max Jorgensen shine at Super Rugby.
5. BOBBY'S BRILLIANCE
The back-row battle was always going to decide the contest, with Rob Valetini delivering a world-class performance to guide the Brumbies to a convincing win.
He bashed the ball over the advantage line and was rewarded late with a brutal try. He found a target in Lawson Creighton and ran over him off a set-piece, setting the tempo for the Brumbies' dominant finish to the first half.
Valetini was supported well by Pete Samu, who was tireless at ruck time whilst Luke Reimer closed out the game with a number of key plays, including a great ball for Valetini's try.
This shouldn't take away from the performance of the Reds' back row. Fraser McReight was elite in defence and Liam Wright and Harry Wilson worked tirelessly.
