Canberra's rugby fans awoke to headache and hangovers on Sunday morning after the Wallabies 34-17 loss to the All Blacks overnight.
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The 3am kick-off did little to perturb devotees of the green and gold, who packed out the capital's pub and clubs for a chance to watch their heroes vie for World Cup glory.
Hundreds of committed fans filled two function rooms at the RUC, Turner, where 12 screens blazed away with the keenly-awaited contest, sending early emotions soaring.
Demolishing meat pies and sausage rolls, the rowdy throng were left with heartbreak and indigestion as wave after wave of All Black attacks capitalised on spilled balls.
Cheering reached a deafening crescendo when David Pocock and Tevita Kuridrani crossed for tries in the second half, rekindling hopes of a World Cup win, only to be followed by a deathly silence as the game slipped away.
