Sunday's Super Round finale was simply superb - a golden point thriller that saw the Hurricanes pip the Reds 38-33 at AAMI Park.
All Blacks icon Jordie Barrett was at the centre of everything in his 100th Super Rugby game as his side overcame his red card to win against all odds.
Here's what we learnt:
Spare a thought for any punters who thought they’d nip off early from Super Round this year.
Fans were treated to one of the greatest spectacles since Super Rugby went Pacific as the Reds and Hurricanes went toe-to-toe for 86 breathless minutes.
Five tries apiece saw the sides locked 33-all on fulltime before reserve prop Pasilio Tosi stormed over in the 86th minute to seal a thrilling win against the odds.
A total 413 points were scored across six games this weekend but none were more exciting than Tosi's decider.
What a sensational advertisement for Super Round and the game of rugby union.
It’s been a long time since the Reds tasted victory over their Wellington rivals – and their decade of drought was so close to breaking.
Queensland had won just two of their past 14 encounters with their most recent success coming back in 2013.
Sunday’s clash should've been it with the Reds camped down in Hurricanes territory late in regular time and holding a one-man advantage.
The final ten minutes alone gave Queensland multiple opportunities in their attacking 22.
But the Canes showed serious ticker to go 80 metres in overtime, take things to golden point, and show the composure to get it done at the death - they'll go far in 2024.
There were plenty of Test stars squaring up in this one but none more entertaining than the halfback battle between Tate McDermott and Cam Roigard.
The Reds co-captain and Kiwi rookie scored a try apiece and went hammer and tongs all afternoon.
Meanwhile centurion Jordie Barrett rarely diverted from his crash course with Hunter Paisami, tighthead props Zane Nonggorr and Tyrel Lomax got down and dirty at scrum time, and the hooking battle between Asafo Aumua and Matt Faessler was worth the price of admission.
Given the age and Test profile of all six players, it’s a delicious Trans-Tasman taster of Bledisloe classics to come.
Brayden Iose – remember the name.
Iose started just six of his 14 games for the Hurricanes in 2023 but the backrower should be one the first written onto next week’s team sheet after an incredible showing against the Reds.
The number eight carried with venom all day, including a barnstorming run that flattened Hunter Paisami, and played the perfect foil to ruck merchants TK Howden (18 tackles, 1 turnover) and Peter Lakai (11 carries, 10 tackles).
Together, they more than matched Queensland’s quality backrow trio of Liam Wright, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson, all of whom were industrious.
The Reds were their own worst enemies at Super Round - pure and simple.
If Roigard’s 40th minute quick tap try was the first coach killer, Les Kiss would’ve rolled the stone away seeing Jock Campbell drop the ball cold on the 58th minute with the line begging and Peni Ravai lose possession over the chalk in the 72nd minute.
Throw in a 20-minute advantage with Jordie Barrett's red card and they'll feel this one keenly.
Make no mistake, this Reds side will be a force to be reckoned with going forward.
Barrett's was the first red card of 2024 and should've proved the difference in a thrilling encounter.
Jordie's high shot on Jordie Petaia saw both Test stars leave the paddock after 56 minutes and when Matt Faessler crossed a minute later, the Hurricanes looked down and out.
But the power of a milestone match is compelling and a 38-33 win is testament to both the man and the side that turned things around.
Now as the third Barrett brother to notch 100 Super Rugby games, Jordie will be forever etched in competition history - and as a winner no less.
