Three of Australia’s leading playmakers were in the wars again, as the Brumbies maintained their five-point lead over the Reds in the Super Rugby Australian conference.
The Reds (49 points) briefly moved level on points with the Brumbies following a 32-17 win over the Rebels (29) in Melbourne on Friday.
Not to be outdone, the Brumbies (54) also registered a bonus point win, with a 28-17 victory over the Force (27) in Perth on Saturday.
“It’s do or die for us every week now because we want to win the conference,” Brumbies coach Jake White said.
The Brumbies play NSW away and the Blues at home, while the Reds finish off with home fixtures against the Highlanders and Waratahs (34).
The Reds are one of three teams locked in a battle for sixth spot, level on points with the Hurricanes, who scored an upset 23-22 away win over the Crusaders (52), and the Sharks, who had a bye.
“I think you get a headache if you try and keep working on the combinations and permutations,” Reds coach Ewen McKenzie told AAP.
There was no successful home farewell for Force talisman Nathan Sharpe, with fellow Wallaby forward Matt Hodgson adding to their woes by suffering an ankle injury.
The Rebels-Brumbies game featured Wallabies stars Quade Cooper, James O’Connor and Kurtley Beale, all of whom have spent time on the injury list this season.
O’Connor, who was playing his first game back after suffering a lacerated liver, damaged a hamstring.
He will miss the Rebels’ last two games in South Africa, with scans this week expected to determine the extent of the problem and whether it might keep him out of the start of next month’s Rugby Championship.
Beale, who missed the start of the Test season with a shoulder injury, didn’t travel to South Africa with the Rebels on Sunday due to soreness.
A decision will be made on Tuesday whether he is able to fly out and play in one or both of the Rebels’ two games.
Cooper, who missed over half the Super season following knee surgery, was substituted after taking a hit to the outside of a leg.
“I’m sure he’ll brush up alright,” McKenzie said.
Back Chris F’Sautia will have a scan on a shoulder and flanker Liam Gill has a mild hamstring strain.
McKenzie was positive about the prospects of winger Digby Ioane, who missed Friday’s game with a chest infection, being available for next Friday’s clash with the Highlanders and said centre Ben Tapuai could also be available. The Chiefs (62) stayed top and almost certainly clinched the New Zealand conference title with a 27-21 win over the Highlanders (45) in Dunedin.
The Stormers (58) remained second overall and top of the South African conference with a 27-17 victory over the last-placed Lions (20) in Cape Town.
The Bulls (54) scored a 40-24 win over the Cheetahs (37) in Pretoria.