The Queensland Reds have pulled off the late winner to cement the finals spot with a big 28-21 win over the NSW Waratahs.
They trailed most of the game but had enough class to step up and capitalise on the big moments.
Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
So what did we learn?
The Queensland Reds needed that win as much as the NSW Waratahs, even if the ladder didn’t suggest it.
The Reds couldn’t afford to go into next week’s clash with the ACT Brumbies on a two-game slump, which locks them into the top four for the time being.
They will still be desperate for victory against their ACT rivals, and a tough match against the Hurricanes will follow.
As for the Waratahs, it’s truly must-win territory next week against the Crusaders.
The Waratahs face the enormous task of taking down the Crusaders without Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii after his nasty head knock.
It was a freak accident as Kellaway’s knee collected the fullback flush on the jaw and left him unconscious.
The Waratahs nearly rallied without their superstar as centres Joey Walton and Henry O’Donnell stood up.
But they couldn’t deliver the magic comeback once again as their finals hopes hang on by a thread.
Joe Schmidt said at the start of the year that if you were playing well enough, it didn’t matter whether you were staying or going in Australian Rugby. Langi Gleeson is giving him no choice.
The number eight was once again exceptional and lifted for the occasion against the Queensland Reds.
His run to set up Jake Gordon’s try in the first half was superb, bashing through several defenders before throwing the offload for Henry O’Donnell.
Gleeson was also superb in defence with several rattling hits and would be more effective had he not been taken off twice as a result of yellow cards to front-rowers.
The Queensland Reds can thank the heroics of Fraser McReight for turning around this game and securing the win.
McReight got his nose into the game early with a turnover, but nothing was bigger than his effort in the 25th minute to change momentum.
Jock Campbell and Lachie Anderson deserve similar credit for their exceptional work clearing and chasing to force the five metre scrum and set up Tate McDermott’s try.
It’s fitting Anderson was the man to seal the win, storming clear from the cover defence to sink the team he grew up supporting.
Taniela Tupou had an eventful stint for the Waratahs.
After a brilliant interview during the week with the Sydney Morning Herald, Tupou seemed like a player who had a weight off his shoulders as he bullied the Reds scrum before diving over for the try to put the Waratahs in front.
Unfortunately, he seemed too free and accidentally collected Dre Pakeho with a head clash, leaving him off the field for ten.
Tupou must remember the first 15-20 minutes because Tupou is a Test-changing weapon.
