The Brumbies have knocked out defending Super Rugby champions the Chiefs after clinging on for a 32-30 win in an epic qualifying final in Canberra.
The Brumbies raced out to a 22-3 lead on Saturday night, but as they learnt in last year’s grand final, you can never write off a side chasing their third straight title.
All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden spearheaded the fightback as the Chiefs levelled the scores midway through the second half.
But the Brumbies regained the advantage with a converted try from a well-constructed driving maul before Cruden failed to convert a Gareth Anscombe five-pointer with three minutes to go.
It was sweet revenge for the Brumbies as Ben Mowen won what is likely to be his last and 50th game as skipper in front of 14,284 fans at Canberra Stadium.
Workhorse lock Sam Carter was able to constantly get over the advantage line, while it took three Chiefs players to bring down superb winger Henry Speight on most occasions.
