The Brumbies have restored some pride in Australian rugby by claiming a win over a New Zealand rival in Super Round.
After the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds both fell short in the opening two days of action in Melbourne, the Brumbies broke through to beat the Highlanders 28-17.
The Melbourne Rebels could not follow the Brumbies' lead, however, going down 42-17 to the Crusaders in the final match of the round.
The Brumbies have lost once through the domestic component of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, while the Highlanders have only banked one win but they proved difficult to shake on Sunday afternoon.
The Canberra-based Brumbies looked sharp early but were made to work for their points.
They should have been up 5-0 after a minute of play, with fullback Tom Wright dropping the ball cold as he attempted a one-handed grounding over the goal line.
Flanker Jahrome Brown made no mistake 10 minutes later when his outstretched arm slammed down the ball for the Brumbies to take a 7-0 lead.
A try by hooker Lachlan Lonergan then made it 14-0 but the Highlanders rallied with centre Thomas Umaga-Jensen scoring and the teams went into half-time at 17-7.
After a Brumbies penalty goal, the Highlanders hit back again with a try by flanker James Lentjes closing the margin to seven.
Another penalty goal from Noah Lolesio gave them a little more breathing room and then the young Wallabies playmaker was able to run on to a pop pass from Irae Simone for a 72nd-minute try.
It was a strong performance from Lolesio after five weeks out with an ankle injury.
While the desperate Highlanders scrambled for points, the Brumbies defence held firm to secure the win.
AAP/ABC
