ACT BRUMBIES 37 (Matt Toomua 2, Pat McCabe, Scott Sio, Sam Carter, Leon Power tries; Christian Lealiifano 2 conversions, penalty) bt MELBOURNE REBELS 10 (Scott Higginbotham try; Jason Woodward conversion, penalty) at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night. Referee: Steve Walsh. Crowd: 11,071.

ATTACKING MOJO, FINALLY

The Brumbies looked a completely different team to the one that struggled on its two-game tour of South Africa. They were energetic, enthusiastic and found a new attacking force. With their finals hopes on the line, the Brumbies finally found an attacking groove and ran in four tries in the first 30 minutes. Their defence was equally as impressive, holding the Rebels for most of the match and refusing to budge. It was just the third time this year the Brumbies had managed to secure a four-try bonus point. More importantly they regained winning confidence going into a three-week bye for the competition's international break. Matt Toomua scored a double while Pat McCabe, Scott Sio and Sam Carter all got across the line. The Brumbies mixed tactical kicking with a running game, but they were more willing to keep the ball in hand and chase tries instead of building into the game.

THE FINALS RACE

Three Australian teams, a handful of games and finals spots on the line. The Brumbies, NSW Waratahs and Western Force are locked in a three-way tussle for playoff berths. The Brumbies' bonus-point win against the Rebels keeps them alive in the battle to win Australia's guaranteed finals berth and the right to play at least one home game in the play-off series. The Waratahs hold a three-point advantage of the ladder and are second overall, the Brumbies move to third place and the Force slipped back down to sixth. The Brumbies play the Waratahs and the Force in their last two games of the year. But the Waratahs and Force will play three games each, giving them an extra chance to rise above the Brumbies. Australia could have three teams in the finals for the first time since the Super Rugby playoff format was overhauled in 2011. But it's more likely just two will make it through. Securing at least one home final is a huge advantage in the championship race. The biggest hurdle for the Brumbies last year was having to play a final in South Africa and then the grand final in New Zealand in successive weeks.

WHITE, TOOMUA: DON'T FORGET US

All the Wallabies selection talk has been about the NSW Waratahs' rockstar playmakers Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley. But Brumbies scrumhalf-flyhalf duo Nic White and Matt Toomua launched one last bid to stay together when they join the Test squad on Sunday. White almost played his way into the Wallabies starting side with an impressive performance against the Rebels, adding an excellent running game to his attacking weapons. With McKenzie watching in the crowd, Toomua scored two tries in the first 15 minutes, the second set up by some brilliant play from White. White saw an opportunity from the base of a ruck, scooted out and caught the Rebels' defence napping. He drew the fullback and then offloaded to Toomua, who ran the last 25 metres for the try. McKenzie is likely to split the pair up when they go into Test camp. McKenzie doesn't want to be handcuffed by positional play and values versatility. Toomua was named in the Wallabies squad as a centre, not a flyhalf. But the Brumbies' playmaker could still step into the role if required. Beale and Foley are the flyhalf options for the Wallabies and both have been instrumental in leading the NSW Waratahs to the top of the Australian conference. White is vying with incumbent Will Genia for the No.9 jersey.

BASH AND CRASH

Clyde Rathbone admitted he wasn't called into the Brumbies' starting XV for his kicking expertise. Neither was Pat McCabe. Both are known for their uncompromising and tough running game style and it was evident almost immediately. The Brumbies were willing to run the ball from inside their own half and had a better mix of kicking for territory and taking chances. They will have to continue to juggle both styles and can't take too many risks against stronger opponents. In their previous game at Canberra Stadium against the Durban Sharks, there were 93 kicks in general play. The Brumbies ran for just 226m in that game. In a stark contrast, the Brumbies had already amassed more than 300m in the first 30 minutes against the Rebels. It helped the players build confidence as they controlled the game and showed patience that was lacking when they were kicking possession away. Rathbone was playing his first Super Rugby game since the grand final last year and McCabe was in his first start at fullback since 2011. The pair combined to score the second try of the game with Rathbone offloading to McCabe.

THE GOALKICKING

Christian Lealiifano is still trying to find his kicking boots after having off-season ankle surgery. The Brumbies sharpshooter got a last-minute tune up from Wallabies kicking coach Damien Hill on Friday, but he still struggled to find his radar in the game against the Rebels. Lealiifano's kicking percentage is well down on his efforts last year. Lealiifano finished the night with three from seven attempts in penalties and conversions. It didn't cost the Brumbies the match. But in tight matches it could prove instrumental. Brumbies teammate Nic White has been in good form, but the stuck with Lealiifano. His goalkicking helped him cement a spot in the Wallabies' starting side this year. But the dilemma Test coach Ewen McKenzie faces is who he will give the kicking duties to for the three-game series against France, starting in Brisbane next week. Lealiifano, White, Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley have all been kicking this year. Most of their shots have been well below standard.