They may only be a couple of points outside of the top six but those above them have a game in hand this weekend, while the Hurricanes have a tough run in to the post-season including games against the Crusaders and Chiefs.
Between Andre Taylor and Beauden Barrett they left nine points out on the park as they failed to kick their goals in tricky conditions.
Barrett, who has been a mixed bag with the boot this season - although he did kick six from seven against the Highlanders last week - was forced on to the field earlier than expected after he came from the bench in the first half to replace an injured Cory Jane.
The All Black wing's departure with an ankle complaint forced Barrett to fullback and Taylor to the right wing as Tusi Pisi continued at first-five.
Barrett was meant to be given a lighter schedule this week after a heavy workload during the campaign but he played bigger minutes than expected.
Hammett though wasn't bothered with his goalkickers' off-night.
"Of course you want to kick your goals,'' Hammett said. "It was a blimmin' hard night for kicking wasn't it and a lot of those kicks weren't easy. There was probably one easy one in front that Andre kicked but it was a pretty swirly, windy night and I suppose we've had a couple of weeks where it's been a bit disappointing but the boys are working really hard so I've got no concerns around the work they're putting in.''
One player who didn't have an issue with the conditions was Brumbies pivot Zack Holmes who booted seven from eight and scored a try in an impressive performance in his maiden start in the No 10 jersey.
Holmes, 21, was only the third-string five-eighth for the Canberra-based side this year but following season-ending injuries to Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua the Perth-born youngster got his chance to step in to the void.
Brumbies coach Jake White praised the work of Holmes and said the rookie inspired confidence in the side who before tonight hadn't won in Wellington since 2003.
"He's a good player and he's been there and done it and I think what I really enjoyed is it's an affirmation for the squad to see that when you do listen and you put your hand up and pay attention and you're part of the squad you're going to get a return,'' White said.
Next week the Hurricanes host the lowly Rebels in Wellington while the Brumbies meet the Reds in Canberra in what shapes as a crucial clash in terms of the standings for the Australian conference, which the Brumbies lead.
Brumbies 37 (Fotu Auelua, Sam Carter, Michael Hooper, Zack Holmes tries; Holmes 3 pens, 4 cons) Hurricanes 25 (TJ Perenara 2, Victor Vito, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen tries; Andre Taylor pen, con) HT: 13-15
