The Brumbies led 24-6 at halftime after they made the most of their attacking play in the first half, while the visitors from Durban struggled to get out of the starting blocks.

Unfortunately for the Cell C Sharks, they suffered two early injury blows and those interruptions had an adverse effect on their performance in the first half. They lost influential looseforwards Dan du Preez and Tyler Paul due to injury in quick succession in the first quarter of the first half.

Playing in front of a passionate crowd, the Brumbies crossed the visitors’ tryline on five occasions, with No 8 Pete Samu netting a brace, while they also kicked five conversions and penalty.

Powerful inside centre Andre Esterhuizen barged over for the Cell C Sharks’ only try in the second half while Curwin Bosch kicked the conversion and two penalty goals.

The Brumbies got off to a flying start when No 8 Samu raced away to score the opening try with barely one minute of play on the clock. That set the tone for the encounter, with the home side forcing the visitors on the back foot for much of the match.

Although Bosch moved from fullback to flyhalf in the latter stage of the game, he was unable to ignite what would have been a massive comeback against a very organised and determined Brumbies outfit.

The Canberra outfit must now travel to Buenos Aires for their semi-final clash next Saturday with the formidable Jaguares. 

The scorers:

Brumbies 38 (24) – Tries: Pete Samu (2), Christian Lealiifano, Joe Powell, Matt Lucas. Conversions: Christian Lealiifano (5). Penalty: Lealiifano.

Cell C Sharks 13 (6) – Try: André Esterhuizen. Conversion: Curwin Bosch. Penalties: Bosch (2).