Twinkle-toes Waratahs flyhalf Duncan McRae has ensured the Waratahs secure their first Super 12 semi-final berth with a rugged 19-11 win against the Brumbies at Aussie Stadium.

For the second week in a row, an Australian Super 12 record crowd of 41,645 rejoiced as the Waratahs returned to the top of the super 12 ladder. And will remain there if the Crusaders fail to beat the Sharks in Durban overnight. The Brumbies remain in third.

With little separating both sides and the coaches emptying their reserve benches with the rugged play taking its toll, McRae broke the game open to put the Waratahs ahead 16-6 with a superb individual effort in the 66th minute.

Twice after half-time McRae threatened with his dummy, but his third attempt from 15m out proved a match-winner with the Brumbies Stephen Larkham and Justin Harrison missing the tackle.

Waratahs captain Matt Burke then put the Waratahs more than two converted tires ahead at 19-6 in the 70th minute with a penalty.

Fullback Mark Bartholomeusz finally crossed for the Brumbies in the 79th minute, but more importantly they missed a bonus point for losing within seven points when Andrew Walker missed the relatively easy conversion attempt on full-time.

Australian interstate games are notorious for throwing up rugged, dour struggles and this clash was no different. The competition's two leading attacking sides also boast the competition's two best defensive records and there were few chances in both halves with little continuity.

Wallaby selectors would have also got little guidance out of the clash.

The Waratahs' defensive effort in particular was superb. For a second week in a row, the Brumbies dominated possession, the breakdown and the lineout but again struggled to score following last week's loss to the Hurricanes.

South African referee Andy Turner also ensured he stamped his authority on the game with little leniency at the breakdown and handed out three yellow cards before half-time.

Waratahs prop Matt Dunning was first to go for punching in the 19th minute; followed by Brumbies flanker Owen Finegan in the 36th minute for breakdown infringements; and Waratahs fullback Mat Rogers on half-time for a similar offence.

Walker landed two penalties for the Brumbies while Dunning was off the field after Burke had opened the scoring with a penalty in the eighth minute. Walker and Burke struggled with the boot landing four from nine penalty attempts in the first-half, while Brumbies inside-centre Stirling Mortlock also missed his only shot before coming off midway through the half with an ankle injury.

Burke levelled the scores in the 38th minute and put the Waratahs ahead 9-6 two minutes after half-time.

Scoreboard

WARATAHS 19
Tries: Duncan McRae try.
Goals: Matthew Burke con, 4 pen goal.

BRUMBIES 11
Try: Mark Bartholomeusz try.
Goals Andrew Walker 2 pen goals.