Brumbies coach Andy Friend praised his front row after they outmuscled a Springbok trio to set up a 24-22 win over the Sharks in Canberra on Saturday night.

The Sharks remain winless this season, having lost nine out of their past ten Super 14 matches, while the Brumbies have now notched three wins in a row.

The home side scored two tries to one in a match that started out scrappy as both sides traded early penalty goals.

It was not until the 30th minute that the first try was scored through Brumbies prop Ben Alexander who crossed again for the Brumbies second early in the second half.

Like last week, Friend said his men created opportunities but again failed to finish them off.

"I thought in phase play again we created some good opportunities, I thought our scrum was outstanding, we dominated there, and when we quick-tapped and played ... we put them under a lot of pressure," he said.

"We created a lot of opportunities we didn't finish."

He was, however, pleased with the effort of his front three who dominated an all-Springbok front row.

"Outstanding. I thought they were outstanding," Friend said.

Despite winning three in a row and four from five this season, Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles said they would have to improve if they wanted to be around at the business end of the season.

"We're all pretty aware that we've got a lot of improvement in us," Hoiles said.

"Guys aren't in there carrying on and telling each other how good we played and how good we are. I think everyone is aware that to be serious contenders in this competition that we've got to improve."

The Sharks went to the break with a 16-13 lead and stayed in touch in the second half thanks to a faultless kicking performance from No.10 Andy Goode.

He scored 17 points after kicking six from six to keep his side in touch before Brumbies playmaker Matt Giteau kicked what would prove to be a winning penalty goal ten minutes from full time.

Brumbies outside centre Stirling Mortlock, replaced at the end of the first half by Tyrone Smith, will have scans on Sunday after injuring his shoulder.

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