The Brumbies are now pushing uphill after South African-outfit Durban Sharks conjured a miracle try after the final siren to prevail 27-22 at Canberra Stadium.

Quirindi export Carter, who produced a tireless display in the back-row for ACT, admitted Saturday night’s defeat proved a blown chance for the boys from the capital.

“It was tough, we’re about winning and we don't really like losing,” Carter said.

“There were a few positive things there, but two weeks in a row we've let ourselves down in the final moments.

“We fought back in the second half and hardly had any ball ... we rallied and got the score even.

“We just couldn't capitalise on the opportunities we had in the last 10 minutes.”

The Brumbies crossed for three tries to two, but it was the boot of Sharks ace Patrick Lambie which proved the difference.

Lambie slotted five penalties and one conversion for a match-haul of 17 points.

Alex Newsome’s Super Rugby debut proved the highlight of a mixed round for the region’s exports.

The Glen Innes flyer played the last three minutes as his Western Force side recorded a memorable 26-19 win against Queensland Reds on Thursday night.

Newsome’s taste of elite club rugby comes just months after he starred for the NSW Country Eagles.

The 22-year old outside back didn’t get the opportunity to showcase his attacking talents with the Force defending in their 22 for the time he was on the field as the Reds pressed hard for an equaliser.

But the Force defence held firm to post their first win of 2017.

Tamworth’s Paddy Ryan featured as an interchange replacement during a 55-36 loss for the NSW Waratahs against the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday.

In stark contrast to the Tahs’ previous clash, this contest featured 13 tries for the game.

Ryan had two stints on the park, first as a replacement when Sekope Kepu was yellow carded in the 32^nd minute.

Kepu’s return saw Ryan go back to the bench, but his second stint was far longer as a 52^nd minute substitution for Tom Robertson.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson took plenty out of the match despite the defeat.

“There are a number of lessons for us. What I was pleased about is that we scored five tries, relatively easy,” Gibson said.

 “What we need to do is sort out how we prevent tries and that is more the disappointing thing for us is how easily we conceded.”

Tamworth’s Mick Snowden was not involved in the match-day squad for the Melbourne Rebels.

And that may well have been a blessing as the Victorian side was on the receiving end of a 71-6 scoreline against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

The good news for the embattled Rebels is they have the bye this week to regroup.