Cape Town - The Waratahs held on to beat the Brumbies 13-10 on Friday in a bruising encounter that kept their Super Rugby title defence alive and well.
The Brumbies still lead the Waratahs in the Australian conference after picking up a consolation bonus point for losing by less than seven.
But their advantage was slashed to single point with New South Wales still having a game in hand after a gripping battle at Canberra Stadium.