The Western Force are the first team in the Super Rugby AUS Final after a 46-35 win over the ACT Brumbies in Perth.
It was a see-sawing battle that saw a constant flow of points, with Max Burey the man once again who proved the difference.
Watch every second of Super Rugby AUS live and on-demand via the Rugby.com.au YouTube channel.
So what did we learn?
No one has taken the opportunity to shine in the first fortnight of Super Rugby AUS like Western Force flyhalf Max Burey.
The former Sevens star was spectacular in the west, backing up his player of the match performance last week with some scintillating attacking plays to have a hand in the hosts’ first three tries.
It’s tough to pick the standout of his double, whether it was a remarkable solo run that started in his half that saw him beat five or the crafty chip, chase and forward role that put the Force back in front.
Burey has found himself stuck behind Wallaby Ben Donaldson, starting just once in 2025. However, his electric back-to-back games is demanding the attention of head coach Simon Cron heading into 2026.
The four-week Super Rugby AUS competition could prove to be a massive turning point in the future of the Western Force.
You can not discount the confidence the Force will take from this competition after back-to-back wins to book their place in the Final.
Simon Cron’s men have always threatened in Super Rugby Pacific but have never been able to put together the necessary wins to place finals football.
These quality wins with a host of star players still in Test camp will only boost their spirits ahead of 2026.
It’s rare for the ACT Brumbies to be out of finals contention but it’s the territory they find themselves in Super Rugby AUS.
Stephen Larkham’s side produced a quality comeback and looked set to snatch victory before their mistakes came back to bite them.
There’s still plenty to like for the ACT side, especially at scrum time with a young pack.
They’ll have one last chance to impress against the NSW Waratahs.
Former Australia U20s prop Lington Ieli is emerging as a perfect replacement for James Slipper whenever the legendary prop calls time in the nation’s capital.
Ieli anchored a dominant Brumbies scrum that won dominance early and often in the west to go with the opening try of the game and a nice pilfer penalty before succumbing to a shoulder issue.
The Fijian heritage front-rower has burst onto the scene ever since the Lions tour and seems to playing with so much confidence after holding his own for the Brumbies and First Nations Pasifika.
Five-cap Wallaby Blake Schoupp has been always seen as Slipper’s natural replacement but after his unfortunate run with injuries, Ieli is emerging as solid depth and competition for the Brumbies.
With the Wallabies in camp ahead of the Bledisloe Cup, this clash was a real showcase event for the next generation of stars.
Former Australia U20s captain Toby MacPherson was excellent in the back-row after his Japanese sojourn. He seems more suited to the blindside flanker role and has shown the value of coupling with League One clubs for these loan deals for younger players.
For the Force, centre George Poolman was lively in attack and showed why he’s been in their system since he was fresh out of school.
It reinforces the value of this competition.
