The fourth and final Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final was a truly gripping clash with the Brumbies coming up 37-33 victors over the Hurricanes in Canberra.
Following the exciting game, Planet Rugby has selected five takeaways from the action.
The quality of the clash was simply outstanding. Both teams were well prepared and pitched up on the day highly focused on grabbing the win.
The game had it all as the momentum swung to and fro, there were long-range tries, close-quarter tries and moments of brilliance. It is without a shadow of a doubt the most enthralling of all the quarter-finals.
To see the sides willing to risk it all to find a way to win was an exhilarating experience. Super Rugby has been through many iterations and with the current Super Rugby Pacific having been criticised by fans from all angles it is games like this that provide a shining light.
Without doubt, the Battle of Canberra is an instant blockbuster.
Defensive structures can be coached over and over but commitment within that is an aspect that stems from the team culture.
Larkham's men defended as if their lives depended on it at the end of the game; throwing themselves into tackles, putting their bodies on the line and scrambling with more energy than some teams start the game with.
It was powerful to witness the togetherness as the Hurricanes threw phase after phase at them with the Brumbies standing up each time.
At the end of it all it took a desperate hand under the ball to win the game. That is how fine the margins are. It was a memorable effort from the Brumbies who will only grow as a group after this incredible effort.
And then there was one. The Canberra side has been head and shoulders above any Australian side over the last two seasons and they showed it again today.
Stephen Larkham's influence continues to grow in the Brumbies set-up as the side looked organised, committed and importantly composed.
Rugby is a game of inches where one act can throw a big clash and the composure and confidence to execute the fundamentals of the game under pressure separate the good teams from the great.
The men from Australia's capital city completely deserve to advance and do so by hoisting the Australian flag. Tonight the Brumbies truly looked like a side that can go deep into the play-offs and cause some real problems for the top teams in the competition.
Even more credit is due to Larkham who nailed his use of substitutes to steady the ship as the 'Canes came charging in late on.
Two stars particularly come to mind in Ryan Lonergan who filled in beautifully for Nic White and Luke Reimer who was committed in every moment he was on the pitch.
The replacement front-rowers Rhys van Nek, Blake Schoupp and Conal Mcinerney showed their class by maintaining discipline late in the game as the 'Cane turned to their scrum to find a winner.
It was a full 23 performance and one Larkham will be delighted with.
Whilst it may not have been the Hurricanes' night, the team must be commended for their efforts as they left it all out on the pitch. One does not have to look further than a tearful Ardie Savea after the game to know the Wellington men did everything they could to win but for a hand under the ball right at the end.
It has been a positive season for the men in yellow and whilst they didn't progress they can hold their heads high with pride because, on a different day, they may well have claimed the win.
The rise of stars like Cam Roigard and Kini Naholo are some of the many positives from a team trending upwards.
READ MORE: Super Rugby Pacific: Five takeaways from the quarter-final including Crusaders' cream rising to the top