The importance of the match was not lost on the Brumbies' biggest home crowd of the season, and all 23,097 spectators watched on as they ran in five tries to one to earn a vital bonus-point amid a tough finals race.

The Brumbies played what was probably their best match of the season, continuing the good form they developed on the back end of their South African tour, while the Waratahs failed to recapture the spirit that saw them lose narrowly to the Crusaders last weekend.

The Stephen Larkham factor was undeniable as he created two Brumbies tries and scored two of his own, showing the form that gave him the reputation of the world's best flyhalf around the turn of the century.

The Brumbies took advantage of early possession and ill-discipline from the Waratahs to open the scoring in the third minute. Larkham orchestrated the try, swinging the Brumbies attack from right to left before he broke the Waratahs' defensive line to put winger Mark Gerrard over the line in the corner.

Brumbies 36
Tries: Gerrard 2, Tawake, Larkham 2
Conversions: Huxley 2, Gerrard 2
Penalties: Huxley

Waratahs 10
Tries: Elsom
Conversions: Hewat
Penalties: Hewat

Sportal