Five things we learnt from Brumbies-Hurricanes
The ACT Brumbies do what champion teams do, finding a way to hold on for victory over the Hurricanes.
The 37-33 scoreline won't reflect it but it was their defence that won Stephen Larkham's side the game, holding out the Hurricanes as they threw everything at their line.
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It ensures Australian representation in the semi-finals after the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs went down.
So what did we learn?
1 HAND OF GOD
Luke Reimer cemented cult status in Canberra.
The flanker is the ultimate finisher and came up with the hero plays when it mattered.
When the Hurricanes started to dominate the breakdown, Larkahm unleashed his weapon and he instantly got over the line at the back of the rolling maul
He got his trademark pilfer with three minutes to go, which looked to be to no avail when Ardie Savea won a penalty a couple of phases later.
With their line starting to wilt, Reimer somehow got his hand under Savea to hold up one of the most damaging runners in World Rugby. Savea protests he got it down but Reimer did enough to earn the soft call from referee Nic Berry and eventually, when the TMO found no conclusive grounding, he became an instant hero.
It's just reward for Reimer, who was denied in last year's semi-final of a clutch turnover that could have won them the game
2. RAMPAGING ROB
Rob Valetini set the tempo for the hosts after a rocky start.
The Hurricanes brutalised them in the first five minutes but when Valetini took the line on, it steadied the ship and got them on the right side of the collision battle.
He brutalised the visitors in attack and defence, only solidifying his spot in the Wallabies' back-row after another strong game from Harry Wilson.
It allowed the hosts to build a commanding lead in the first half, backed up by soild games from Pete Samu and Nick Frost
3. JUMPING JACK
Jack Debreczeni delivered one of his finest games of his extensive Super Rugby career.
The decision to start the veteran over Noah Lolesio raised some eyebrows but it delivered instantly when he took on the line and dived over.
His kicking game was world-class, constantly forcing the Hurricanes back and winning those small territory battles.
Lolesio came on late but also proved vital with a clutch conversion from close to the touchline, ensuring the Hurricanes had to score a try to win the game
They were supported by yet another excellent game from Len Ikitau.
4. RISK v REWARD
The Brumbies went all in and came away with the jackpot in two decisive calls.
Down three, they had the option to level the scores and take an easy penalty. Instead, they turned it down and backed their maul.
Whilst the maul got shut down, the class of their Wallabies delivered the intended result when Tom Wright dived over and gave it to the Hurricanes.
It's one of those calls where if they don't score, they would've been crucified. The fact they backed themselves and came up with the result should be celebrated just as much.
5. IMMORTAL
James Slipper showed why he can become the most-capped Wallaby ever.
He gave Tyrel Lomax a masterclass at scrum-time, winning that first collision on countless occasions to earn ascension and multiple penalties.
Slipper confirmed his future less than 48 hours ago, signing a two-year deal with the club. He’ll go past Stephen Moore likely in the Rugby Championship whilst can potentially equal George Gregan with a deep run in the World Cup.
His partner-in-kind Allan Alaalatoa will be racing the clock and will be a major boost if he overcomes his calf injury
