The Brumbies signaled their intentions from the outset on Saturday, declining an early penalty shot at goal from point blank range in favour of an attacking lineout.
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It was the right idea and almost produced points through Folau Faingaa, but the attack broke down and the Force survived.
There was rust in this Brumbies side, which hadn't played in two weeks. Sloppiness in attack was a theme through the first half hour, but when they eventually clicked the points began to flow.
The Force had defended quite well to that point and looked comfortable enough despite being pegged deep in their territory.
About 80 per cent of the first 40 minutes was played in the Force half and, incredibly, after 32 minutes they'd spent just six seconds inside the Brumbies' 22m.
Their first meaningful foray into enemy territory produced three points, but that seemed to spark the home side into attack.
The Brumbies started to reap the scoreboard rewards as Tom Wright scored in the corner, before Tom Banks strolled over untouched late in the half - a soul-destroying end to what had been a promising half hour of rugby from the visitors.
Costly red
Force winger Toni Pulu received a red card late in the first half, after his high shot on returning Brumby Irae Simone.
His marching left the visitors a man down, and there will likely be further ramifications which could severely impact his Trans Tasman campaign.
Direct contact with the head can bring suspensions of six weeks, and although that will likely be whittled down to three or four, it still means missing a significant chunk of games against New Zealand opposition.
No try
The TMO denied Brumbies fans one of the greatest tries they will ever see midway through the second half, when Wright was adjudged to have gone touch in goal while attempting to ground the ball.
Wright was the target of a pin-point Simone grubber, and he gathered the football with his left hand at full sprint, while balancing on the sideline precipice.
Force centre Kyle Godwin had sprinted across in cover and managed to get just enough contact on Wright to force his left leg into touch.
The try was initially awarded before the TMO intervened, much to the chagrin of the 9017 Brumbies fans at Canberra Stadium..
Brave Slipper
Prop James Slipper fell awkwardly early in the match when teammate Noah Lolesio was tackled in his immediate vicinity.
He received treatment from the trainer for what appeared to be a knee injury, but courageously stayed on for the first 37 minutes before finally being replaced by Scott Sio.
Slipper has already missed a large chunk of the Super Rugby AU regular season with a knee injury, and coach Dan McKellar will eagerly be awaiting the latest prognosis on the former Queensland Red ahead of next week's final against his former side.
Number eight Pete Samu also left the field midway through the second half with what looked to be a knee injury, allowing Luke Reimer to debut.
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
