Brumbies 31 Highlanders 3
The Brumbies were playing for the bright lights of a semifinal; the Highlanders more to stop the lights of their franchise dimming almost to darkness.
The Highlanders franchise is apparently losing unpalatable amounts of money; has discontented senior players, some of whom want to leave. They are poorly supported, except
in Invercargill, and there have been whisperings - and some writings - that maybe New Zealand can't support five franchises any more.
The Highlanders will be around for the opening season of the Super 15, of course.
However, it's anyone's guess what sort of shape they will be in when the dust settles on the new contracts system allowing franchises to recruit directly, without worrying about what province potential players are from. The Highlanders' place in this strange new world is far from certain.
So while the Brumbies played for a win and a bonus point, for the Highlanders, any sort of win would be a bonus which might offer hope for the future.
That future didn't look too crash hot when Brumbies flanker Rocky Elsom soared high to take an attacking lineout ball.
Upon landing, he was delighted to find the defence sparsely populated and motivated - a classic case of the Highlanders taking the low road while Elsom strolled down the high road.
A few minutes later, prop Silesi Ma'afu scored near the posts after skipper and No 8 Stephen Hoiles clattered through similarly forgiving Highlanders defence.
At that stage, 14-0 down after 16 minutes, the Highlanders looked about as far removed from the proud, aggressive history of Otago rugby as it is possible to be.
The team evolved from the one which used to rattle the fillings in the teeth of touring international sides was having its own teeth slowly pulled, incisor after molar. That feisty win over the Waratahs uncomfortable in the icy deep south seemed as if in another age, never mind that it was only last weekend.
Not that the Highlanders ever gave in. Hooker Jason Rutledge and Adam Thomson tried all day, as did Israel Dagg and Jimmy Cowan in the backs.
A Dagg-inspired counter-attack saw centre Ben Smith streak through the Brumbies and only a desperation tackle pushed lock Josh Bekhuis out before he could ground the ball for a try.
After their rollicking start, the Brumbies lost their way a bit. Mistakes crept into their game and they didn't capitalise on their opportunities as they had been after turning around at 17-3 ahead.
At least not until first five-eighths Matt Toomua made a couple of startling breaks, found prop Ben Alexander and Matt Giteau in support and the pop pass saw halfback Josh Valentine over.
It didn't help that Dagg was sin-binned for a ruck offence shortly afterwards but at least it paved the way for one of the comedy moments of the Super 14.
Stephen Moore, one of the form hookers of the competition, beat Highlander after Highlander in a run. He was set to score one of the tries of the season had he not wrapped himself around the goalpost trying to force the ball. The Highlanders couldn't stop him - but the goalposts could.
It took a flawed Brumbies almost until fulltime to find the bonus point try, to Toomua. But it may not make much difference. On this form, the Brumbies are unlikely to beat the Crusaders.
Brumbies 31 (R. Elsom, S. Ma'afu, J. Valentine, M. Toomua tries; M. Giteau 4 cons, pen), Highlanders 3 (I. Dagg pen). Halftime: 17-3.
