They'll have to, otherwise it's going to be a long, frustrating and potentially under-achieving season for the two-time Super rugby champion.

The team continues to win last night's 24-22 victory over the Durban Sharks at Canberra Stadium was its fourth from five games this year.

Yet still the players and coaches seem to walk away from each match frustrated at their performance and their inability to play the style of rugby they're striving for.

Last night's game was, in effect, a carbon copy of last week's encounter against the Johannesburg Lions.

Again, the Brumbies won but failed to impress their supporters or themselves to the extent they would have liked.

Again, the Brumbies front row was outstanding, their lineout impressive and their back line still not gelling.

But again, there were few pats on the back and plenty of 'we'll take the points but know we've got a long way to go' thoughts.

The Brumbies or specifically prop Ben Alexander scored two tries last night, which again meant they avoided earning a four-try bonus point.

Winning captain Stephen Hoiles was adamant things weren't as rosy in the team's inner hub as it possibly should be, considering there has been just the one loss this year.

''Guys aren't in there carrying on and telling each other how good we played,'' Hoiles said.

''I think everyone's aware that to be serious contenders in this competition we need to improve.

''We spoke at half-time about trying to up the tempo of the game, but it didn't really happen.

''I think that is a good feeling at this stage of year happy that we've had a win, but realistic in that we know we need to get better.''

The Brumbies were shell shocked early last night.

Sharks flyhalf Andy Goode kicked the opening two penalty goals to give his side a 6-0 lead after 16 minutes.

As the visitors continued to grow in confidence, the home side struggled with continuity in attack.

But as the possession statistics started to swing in the Brumbies favour, they made their mark on the match.

Thirteen unanswered points gave them a buffer but the Sharks had reeled that in by half-time, taking a 16-13 lead into the break.

Not a great deal changed in the second half.

The Brumbies defended valiantly all night.

The Sharks had the bulk of late possession and pushed for a penalty to steal the win but the home side held them out.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times