The goal is simple for the Brumbies: win every game from here on in and a Super Rugby finals berth beckons.
The problem is, that's also the aim of the NSW Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels.
The Brumbies' one-point loss to the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday morning and the Waratahs shock defeat to the Western Force hours earlier has blown the race for the Australian conference lead wide open.
Only a single point separates the Canberra-based franchise and their Sydney rivals, with the Rebels nipping at their heels following Friday's bonus-point victory over the Blues.
The Brumbies have now lost four of their past five matches and have another battle on their hands in Johannesburg next weekend against the Lions - who came from behind to beat the Highlanders on Saturday.
"It's a bonus that the Waratahs lost, so we're one point clear on the table at the moment, but the Waratahs have a game in hand," Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham told AAP.
"It's pretty simple for us: we've got to win everything from here."
Larkham is hoping star five-eighth Matt Toomua will be back for this week's match after a lengthy stint on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
A decision will be made on his availability on Monday.
"He's a massive part of the team," he said.
"To have such a integral member not playing is tough, but I think these other guys who've had a chance to play have done a fantastic job.
"I don't want to take anything away from their performances, but he does add a little bit more to our game."
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has a different kind of injury concern, with Wallabies captain Michael Hooper copping a knock to his knee in Saturday's loss to the Force.
Cheika doesn't know if he'll be available to play the Sharks next weekend - either way, he admits his side are going to be in a "real fight" until the end of the season.
"We've been knocked down a couple of times and anyone who has followed us over the last few years will know that, and we will be back," he declared.
"I am just very disappointed you know because I've got a small amount of time left with this team and I want to make sure they arrive at their full potential every week."
Far from reaching their full potential are the Queensland Reds, who were belted 58-17 by the Crusaders on Friday.
Coach Richard Graham slammed his side's "disgraceful" second-half capitulation, in which they conceded six unanswered tries.
They remain anchored to the bottom of the overall ladder with just two wins this season.
A clash with the red-hot Rebels at home on Friday is unlikely to change that, especially with the pending return of injured young Wallaby flanker Sean McMahon.
The Hurricanes, meanwhile, extended their lead atop the standings with a bonus-point 32-24 win over the Sharks in Wellington on Saturday.
They are 10 points clear of the Chiefs in the New Zealand conference.
The Stormers victory over the Brumbies has catapulted them to the top of the South African standings, ahead of the Bulls who had bye this weekend.
THE RUN HOME FOR AUSTRALIA'S FINALS CONTENDERS
BRUMBIES
v Lions (A)
Bye
v Bulls (H)
v Western Force (A)
v Crusaders (H)
WARATAHS
v Sharks (H)
v Crusaders (H)
v Lions (A)
v Cheetahs (A)
v Reds (H)
REBELS
v Reds (A)
v Stormers (A)
v Sharks (A)
v Bulls (H)
v Force (H)
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