Overview
- The ACT Brumbies defeated the NSW Waratahs 21-14 in Sydney on Friday to secure a place in the Super Rugby Pacific finals.
- Brumbies tries from Billy Pollard, Cadeyrn Neville and Allan Alaalatoa — the latter marking his 150th appearance — built a 21-0 lead that proved decisive.
- Discipline swung momentum: Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble received a yellow card that preceded Neville’s try, and Brumbies replacement Lachlan Lonergan was later yellow-carded as NSW staged a late comeback.
- The Waratahs scored late through Isaac Kailea and Max Jorgensen but their season is now effectively over unless they beat Western Force and the Queensland Reds lose remaining matches.
- Coach Stephen Larkham urged the Brumbies to maintain intensity ahead of a final-round home game with Moana Pasifika while Dan McKellar said his side is showing progress despite the disappointing result.