ACT Brumbies coach David Nucifora has warned that his team will need to lift on the eve of the Super 12 finals despite their 46-25 victory over the Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium.

The Brumbies overcame an early Hurricanes onslaught to come away with the maximum points win, but their position at the top of the ladder is still not secure with just one regular season game left.

With the contenders, led by the Crusaders, breathing down their necks, ACT still need to beat the Chiefs next week to stay on top going into the finals.

Maintaining that position is crucial for the Brumbies as it would give them home field advantage for the semis, and possible final, at a venue they have turned into a fortress.

The Brumbies eventually scored seven tries to three but had trailed the Hurricanes 18-7 after 20 minutes of the game.

Nucifora said he could see the danger signs.

"We wouldn't win the Super 12 on that performance tonight, that's for sure," Nucifora said.

"There were parts of our play tonight that weren't up to the standard that we need them to be to win this competition.

"We're always looking to improve, but at the end of the season you're striving for excellence and we're not there yet."

While the Brumbies were playing for top spot, the Hurricanes were only playing to salvage some pride after a disappointing season, and early on it looked like that was the more powerful motivation.

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