The Brumbies' resilience steered them to a crucial win over the Highlanders on Friday night, with the game hanging in the balance until a late Len Ikitau try put the result beyond doubt.
It was a powerful moment when the teams took the field in Tonga, under pouring rain with a festive crowd full of voice, they lined up to challenge each other.
Six Australians, eight Kiwis and one Samoan made the cut for the Super Rugby Pacific team of the week for their performances in round one.
No Super Rugby team has had the turnover in talent that the Highlanders have had heading into the 2024 season.
Just when the injury woes for the Highlanders looked to be easing, four players go down in the 24 hours before the round five match.
The Highlanders tough start to the season has gone from bad to worse after losing to the Chiefs 28-7 at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on Friday evening.
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith is set to make his Super Rugby Pacific season debut on Friday as the Highlanders look to get their campaign back on track against the Chiefs.
The Highlanders have started their season with a disastrous set of results. After losing to the Blues by 40 last week, the team from the south were beaten 52-15 by the Crusaders in Melbourne.
Following their disappointing start to the season against the Blues in Dunedin, the Highlanders have made nine changes to their starting XV to take on the Crusaders in round two.
How did the Highlanders rate in their defeat at the hands of the Blues in their Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final showdown?