The ACT Brumbies stayed patient enough to grind out a 22-19 victory over the Western Force.
The Force will return home frustrated that another sizeable lead has slipped away after a strong start to the game.
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But the Brumbies had enough class and depth to overcome them on an important day for the club.
So what did we learn?
The Brumbies had extra motivation to close out the game as the club celebrated the life of Garry 'Quinzo' Quinlivan
Justin Harrison was bordering on tears talking about his legacy at the Brumbies whilst flyhalf Noah Lolesio called Quinzo the ‘heart and soul of the club.’
The long-time Brumbies Assistant Manager and bagman was celebrated in wonderful scenes in their first home game since his passing in October.
You could feel his presence as a mass of Brumbies raced back to stop Harry Potter when he broke through the line with minutes left.
It was a great way to honour one of the better people to grace Australian Rugby
The Brumbies can thank Rob Valetini and their bench for proving the difference in this win.
Valetini constantly bent the defensive line back, with 17 post-contact metres from his eight carries.
On top of this, the likes of Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek were influential in their stints off the nench.
They won a key scrum penalty inside the 22 and then powered Pollard over the line for the winning try.
With seconds remaining, they won another scrum penalty to secure the win.
Force coach Simon Cron only has to look at the start of the second half for the catalyst behind yet another blown half-time lead.
Winger Harry Potter was yellow-carded from the kickoff for an unnecessary challenge on Darcy Swain. He’d claim one later in the game but when it’s led to two yellow cards in three games, questions need to be asked about whether it’s worth the risk.
This was one of seven penalties (including two advantages) in the first ten minutes of the half to go with a not straight lineout in their own 22.
It allowed the Brumbies to strike twice and ultimately close out the game.
A lot has been made about the flyhalf battle in 2024 but it was nice to see two nines duelling it out in Canberra.
It started with Nic White burning the defence in the opening minutes with a great burst. His intimate knowledge of the Brumbies’ system showed in attack as they pieced them apart in the first half. The way he left the field in the second half will be of concern, clutching his hand and shown with ice on it on the sidelines.
This sparked Ryan Lonergan into life after two early mistakes, backing up Tamati Tua for the much-needed try. Tom Hooper credited his leadership with calming the side and sparking the comeback.
The quality of scrum halves in Australia has been on display early in SRP, with Tate McDermott starring in the opening fortnight whilst Jake Gordon has been one of the Waratahs best in their first three games.
Speaking of halves, the form of Ben Donaldson to start this year must be acknowledged
His last fortnight has been the type of Rugby that saw him thrust into the Wallabies side for the World Cup as he glides around the field for the Force.
The playmaker’s charge over Lolesio to set up the opener was great whilst should’ve had another try assist had it not been for an obstruction.
The key for him is to stick with the running game. He was quiet in the second half and then popped up in the 75th minute to put Max Burey into space, who set up Harry Potter for his maiden try
Goal kicking is also a slight concern, missing two key chances late in the game.
