The Hurricanes have slumped to their third straight Investec Super Rugby loss after they were beaten 24-12 by the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night.

Things started brightly for the Hurricanes after TJ Perenara scored a brilliant try when he anticipated a long pass from a Brumbies lineout.

A well worked second try followed to wing Julian Savea to give the Hurricanes a 12-5 halftime lead and optimism that they could continue the job in the second half.

However, some poor discipline and defence followed as the Hurricanes were unable to match the intensity the Brumbies found in the second half as the visitors were held scoreless for 40 minutes.

“It’s probably the worst 40 minutes of football we have played in four years, really,” Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said post-match.

“I don’t think there is any excuse, we just gave away too many penalties and allowed them territory as they kicked to the corner and drove at us.”

The Brumbies belied their position on the table with some excellent work up front while they grew in confidence the more the match went on.

“It was a tough day at the office,” Boyd added.

Needing to win to keep their faint play-off hopes alive, the Brumbies were more desperate, something Boyd acknowledged.

“At the end of the day one team was desperate to stay alive. We have already qualified for the play-offs, it’s just who we are going to play and who against. But that doesn’t excuse that performance.”

The Hurricanes still hold their destiny to host a quarterfinal alive in their own hands as they now re-group and prepare to face the Blues at Westpac Stadium this Saturday night.