Stephen Larkham has lauded his side's approach and attitude - seeing their landslide 40-17 win over the Waratahs last night as a key benchmark for greater success.
The win has seen the Brumbies lock down third and pull six points ahead of the Reds on the ladder - moving within striking distance of the Crusaders and Chiefs, who both sit three points ahead.
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While Larkham still believed there was plenty the side could improve upon, he was quick to praise the approach his players took for the week following their loss to the Hurricanes the week before.
"That was a pretty complete performance," Larkham told reporters.
"We just said in the change rooms there that we had a few opportunities in that second half that we didn't take. But it was a really good week.
"I think it was just a much better attitude. I thought we handled their big ball carriers pretty well."
Of particular note was the collision battle, an area previously exploited by sides who had managed to secure victory over the Canberra side earlier this year.
The Brumbies' focus on security at the breakdown and the physical battle saw them on the right side of possession and field position - with Corey Toole and Billy Pollard both picking up two tries, while Len Ikitau and captain Allan Alaalatoa also scored.
"For us it was mainly just action on the field," Alaalatoa admitted.
"You couldn't just turn up and do it on Saturday. You needed to put the work in throughout the week and I thought we had a really good week.
"[The] boys will look back on what worked for them and I think the attitude that we turned up with throughout the week helped us massively tonight.
"I know that's probably going to be the message for us as players and we have to lead that throughout the week."
However, while Larkham said the team will enjoy securing the Dan Vickerman Cup for another year, the side will quickly turn it's attention to next week as they travel to play the Western Force - who not only a strong record at home, but who pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the Super Rugby Pacific season in round two when they defeated the Brumbies in Canberra.
The Force have fallen outside the top six following consecutive losses on their New Zealand tour - and will be desperate to get back in the winner's circle as they chase a maiden finals berth.
"Beating the Waratahs is a special occasion for any Brumbies player and we'll enjoy tonight," said Larkham.
"[But] the most important thing for us now is just to make sure that we're looking at the next game and we know the challenge of getting over to Perth.
"We know the challenge that they beat us here this year. Not many teams beat us at home and they were the first team to do it here this year. Their line-out's been outstanding this year.
"Their contest at the breakdown has been outstanding. They've got some dangerous ball carriers across the park. They're a much better team this year than they were last year.
"It's going to be a big challenge."
