The ACT Brumbies have shot to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, but it may have come at a cost in their 24-14 defeat of rivals Queensland Reds.
The hosts defied a lack of possession and territory in the first half in Canberra on Saturday, Rob Valetini leading their defence as they forced 12 turnovers.
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A fifth straight loss to the Brumbies now has the Reds in danger of slipping out of the top four with two home games remaining.
A calf to Brumbies captain and Wallabies warhorse Allan Alaalatoa dampened the mood though, the Test veteran pulling up with tightness that will require further scans.
The Brumbies have a bye next week, then finish their regular season against the Crusaders, who are two points behind and level with the Chiefs in second.
"We were half asleep, the Reds bombed us and we were on the back foot," fullback and try-scorer Tom Wright said.
"Went in, gave ourselves a good look in the mirror and were able to come out with a little bit of what we wanted to do."
Les Kiss's Reds are now just two points ahead of the Hurricanes, who they host next week in Brisbane.
The Reds started clinically, Tate McDermott beating two men at the ruck and setting up Tim Ryan, who picked a pass off his laces to score under the posts.
Alaalatoa had the reply though, his seventh try of the season a typical close-range effort.
Despite entering the Brumbies' 22 seven times in the half, the Reds left with nothing more.
And they were quickly behind 21-7 when Andy Muirhead and Wright found space in a defensive line exposed by a yellow card for Hunter Paisami's high shot on Corey Toole.
Kiss's substitutions had an impact, hooker Josh Nasser scoring from a rolling maul after some go-forward from their fresh forwards.
They had three more chances in open play to find the equaliser but spilt possession each time, and the Brumbies continued to punish every loose Reds pass or poor decision.
A Ryan Lonergan penalty goal pushed the Brumbies out beyond a converted try.
The match finished in bizarre scenes, Wright opting not to find touch and instead dart towards the line.
He was turned over, Kalani Thomas triggering an 80-metre break, before Connor Vest spilt possession with the line in sight.
"We had them right where we wanted them, but we coughed up the ball, and against a team like the Brumbies that'll hurt you," McDermott said.
"Two huge home games for us ... those games decide where we finish, so really important for us."
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A golden chance for a bonus point has gone begging for the Reds.
Kalani Thomas and Dre Pakeo carve the Brumbies open but that final pass with an overlap hits the deck and that sums up their night
24-14 Brumbies: Ryan Lonergan kicks an easy penalty as the Brumbies are all but home.
Lonergan winds down the clock and slots it for a ten point lead with less than dive left.
The Brumbies aren't ready to play defensive and light up the Reds with a classy backline move.
They spread it wide and Andy Muirhead puts it on the toe, with the ball out for a five metre lineout that they pinch.
They are held up twice over the line as the warning comes from Nic Berry that the next Red who is penalised is off for an early shower
The visitors have plenty of chance to strike but can't make that final stick.
They try to launch from a midway scrum as the ball travels forward and into touch.
The Reds are full of confidence and find space up the middle through Fraser McReight.
The visitors spin it out wide but the pass can't find its mark to Tim Ryan and the Brumbies hold on
21-14 Brumbies: Josh Nasser pilots the maul home and the Reds are back in this game.
Nasser and the Reds stay patient and the space eventually opens for the hooker to dive over.
The Reds are refusing to die as they return to 15 on the field.
They are camped inside the Brumbies' 22 and earn another penalty for a five metre maul
21-7 Brumbies: Tom Wright finally has a try in 2025 and don't the Brumbies players celebrate in style!
Wright takes the line on and powers his way through the defence to slam it down and open his account.
14-7 Brumbies: Andy Muirhead puts the Brumbies in front as the hosts make use of the numbers.
Declan Meredith continues his fine game as throws the cut-out ball for the winger to swan-dive over for the try.
It comes as a cost as Allan Alaalatoa comes off in pain with an ankle injury.
Hunter Paisami is in strife after a clear high tackle draws the ire of the Canberra faithful.
The centre sits down for ten as the tackle goes under review
The Reds are shutting down the Brumbies at breakdown time as they force another turnover.
The Brumbies start the half strong, only for flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips to pick his moment and turn the ball over
Declan Merdeith shrugged off any thoughts of a concussion as he broke the line.
The flyhalf just can't find his support and the Reds survive and work their way into the hosts' half
Billy Pollard is set for a stint in the sidelines after a high shot.
The hooker fails to drop his body height as he collects John Bryant high, with the incident under review.
The Brumbies are feeling the momentum and nearly find themselves in front
Rob Valetoini runs a great line but the visitors muscle up and dump him over the sideline, leading to some words and pushing from the two sides.
The Reds work their way into solid field position but are left with nothing after fierce defence.
The Brumbies halt their rolling maul and eventually Rob Valetini gets a rare pilfer penalty on their line.
7-all: Allan Alaalatoa continues his freakish try-scoring run for the Brumbies.
Alaalatoa makes it seven for the year as he dives over from close for a big try.
The Brumbies are starting to find their feet in a repeat of the last encounter between these two sides.
Andy Muirhead has slotted into ten but it hasn't halted their attack as they create a couple of half-chances.
The ACT Brumbies have been forced into an early change with Declan Meredith off for a HIA.
The flyhalf doesnt seem too concerned but has to come off for Ollie Sapsford.
7-0 Reds: The Reds slience the home crowd with a great effort from Tate McDermott.
The scrumhalf beats two and races away, drawing the fullback for Tim Ryan, who picks up the tough pass for the try.
The Queensland Reds are enjoying early terrritory as they hunt for first points.
In trademark fashion, they turn down three and opt for the line, with the Brumbies scrambling for the goal-line dropout
Welcome to the second game in Canberra as the ACT Brumbies face the Queensland Reds.
Conditions are colder than the Queenslanders will like, with the chance of rain potentially later in the night.
Big game for both sides, with home finals on the line.
Tries: Alaalatoa, Muirhead, Wright
Cons: R. Lonergan 3/3
Tries: Ryan, Nasser
Cons: McLaughlin-Phillips 2/2
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Harrison Goddard, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, John Bryant, Tate McDermott (c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Kalani Thomas, Dre Pakeho, Heremaia Murray
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: James Leckie
The Brumbies' clash with the Reds will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport and the Nine Network.
Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 7:00 pm with kickoff expected at 7:35 pm.
The game will also be shown on free-to-air television on 9Gem, with coverage beginning at 7:00 pm
