New Zealand's stranglehold on the Super Rugby Pacific will continue for another year after the Blues snuffed out the hopes of the remaining Australian side, beating the Brumbies 20-19 at Eden Park.
Memories of a win denied them by a last-second Beauden Barrett dropped goal, landed under a penalty advantage, is fuelling Brumbies hopes ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific semifinal at Eden Park.
The Brumbies will fly the Australian flag in the Super Rugby Pacific for another week after a comeback win in their quarter-final against the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium on Saturday night.
Making a strong start, and imposing their game, would be the goal for the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.
Beauden Barrett has slotted a field goal after the fulltime siren for the Blues to steal a famous Super Rugby Pacific victory from the Brumbies in Canberra.
With just two rounds remaining until the playoffs, round 14 provides an opportunity for teams to lock up a home playoff or confirm their spot in the top eight.
The Crusaders have prevailed in the Super Rugby Pacific's biggest heavyweight battle of the season so far, but it didn't come easily against the Brumbies in a GIO Stadium thriller.
Having offered a sneak preview of what the Crusaders might look like in the future during their 53–15 win over the Force in Perth, it is a more traditional line-up that will meet the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.