The Hurricanes' playoff hopes are all but over after they went down 30-23 to the ACT Brumbies in a tight Super Rugby contest in Canberra on Friday night.
The Brumbies were forced to defend their line for the last 12 minutes at Canberra Stadium as the Hurricanes fought to keep their season alive, but held on to cement their place at the top of the Australian conference.
Both teams scored two tries but Brumbies second five eighths Christian Lealiifano's boot was the difference, kicking six penalties and a conversion for the home side.
The Hurricanes now need to win all three games to have any chance of making the playoffs - but they face the champion Chiefs away, the Highlanders at home then the Crusaders away.
