Defending champions the Highlanders beat the Brumbies 15-9 in the first of the Super Rugby quarter-finals.
It meant Australia will be without a team in the semi-finals for the first time in four years.
Tries from Waisake Naholo and Liam Squire proved decisive for the Highlanders as Lima Sopoaga added a conversion and a penalty while the Brumbies' points came from three penalties by Christian Lealiifano.
Source: PA
