The Highlanders have become the first NZ side to fall in Super Rugby Pacific's trans-Tasman rivalry, succumbing 28-17 to the Brumbies at Melbourne.
On the opening weekend of encounters between the rival nations, this fixture was always likely to offer hope to the overmatched Aussies, pitting their top-ranked team against the bottom-ranked Kiwis - and that's exactly how it played out.
After winning only two of 25 encounters during last year's Super Rugby Trans Tasman, Australian teams were desperate to make an early impact this season and the Brumbies have provided that ray of hope, retaining their position near the top of the competition ladder.
They built an early 14-0 with converted tries to flanker Jerome Brown and hooker Lachlan Lonergan, but as the Highlanders gained some possession, they worked their way back into the contest, with powerful midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jensen crossing before halftime.
When halfback Folau Fakatava - starting in place of absent All Blacks star Aaron Smith - put captain James Lentjes over after the break, the southerners were within three points and momentum seemed to have swung back their way.
Opposing first-fives Marty Banks and Noah Lolesio exchanged penalties, as both sides sought the killer blow and the result finally hinged on two plays with 10 minutes remaining.
With the Highlanders hot on attack and trailling 23-17, Umaga-Jensen kicked towards the corner and Sam Gilbert dived to force the ball, before it bounced into touch. Referee Ben O'Keeffe referred the decision upstairs as a try, but replays showed Gilbert could not force the ball cleanly and the try was overturned.
Moments later, the Brumbies mounted an attack that saw Lolesio over in the corner to clinch victory for the Aussies.
Next Saturday, the Highlanders will try to regroup against Fijian Drua, another side floundering near the foot of the Super Rugby Pacific table.
Brumbies 28 (Brown, Lolesio & Lonergan tries, Lolesio 2 conversions & 3 penalties) Highlanders 17 (Umaga-Jensen & Lentjes tries, Banks 2 conversions & penalty)
