The ACT Brumbies will enter the bye on top after a 24-14 win over the Queensland Reds in Canberra.
It was a tough slog, but once again, the Brumbies' quality enabled them to secure the win against their Queensland rivals.
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So what did we learn?
Destination Hamilton, Christchurch and Canberra for the finals as the top three teams are locked in with a fortnight left.
Now the real fun starts, with the Chiefs, Crusaders and Brumbies’ final positions still up for grabs.
The Brumbies will enjoy top spot for the week but must sit on the sidelines hoping for other results to go their way.
The final round match against the Crusaders will be massive for the season and their hopes for a potential home semi-final.
It must feel like Groundhog Day for the Reds as they again fall to the Brumbies.
It’s the third straight game where the Reds looked destined for that crucial win, only for the hosts to charge home in the second half and blow them off the park.
The Reds must focus on the Hurricanes next week, with the winner likely nabbing fourth place.
Given how dominant the top three teams have been, that potential second chance in the finals, if all goes to script, is huge.
Declan Meredith showed to the Brumbies they don't need to look anywhere else but their own backyard to replace Noah Lolesio.
The flyhalf had several classy touches, including a nice break late in the first half.
He then glided across the field to set up Andy Muirhead's try to put the hosts up for a lead they wouldn't let go.
Meredith has been a huge revelation for the club and is a viable option heading forward.
Allan Alaalatoa’s calf injury is a big concern for the Brumbies and Wallabies.
Alalaatoa is the country's clear number one tighthead, so the sight of the Brumbies skipper in the trainer’s arms sent a shudder around the Wallabies' coaching staff.
The prop is in rare try-scoring form, crossing for another half-metre special.
Coach Stephen Larkham said it was more tightness but was unsure of any further injury
If the Brumbies are to match the top teams up front, they need Alaalatoa.
All it took for Tom Wright’s try-scoring drought to end was a new contract as the Brumbies celebrated wildly for fullback’s five pointer.
The lack of five-pointers was surprising for a player who tore up the Spring Tour, but make no mistake, Wright’s quality hasn’t dropped.
He had nine try assists and 12 line breaks for the year, amongst the top in the competition.
Wright will play a big role in the Wallabies’ Lions campaign.
