The visitors made a whopping 239 tackles as they held out the Stormers - who made just 90 tackles - to win 19-17 in Cape Town.

The Stormers also dominated possession, 70-30 per cent, and field position, 76-24 per cent.

"Outstanding," said McKellar. "I don't think I've ever been prouder of a group of men.

"We had very few chances and the ones that we did have today we took them, and you've got to do that away from home."

The courageous win was achieved without first-choice backrowers David Pocock and Lachlan McCaffrey, with 22-year-old New Zealander Jahrome Browne excelling in his first Super Rugby start.

It came at a cost with reserve hooker Josh Mann-Rea suffering "significant" damage to his left knee and heading home while the rest of the squad goes on to Argentina to play the Jaguares.

Wallabies star Pocock is also being sent home to Canberra to continue his recuperation from the calf injury that will keep him sidelined for a sixth straight game.

The Brumbies led 12-3 early after lock Rory Arnold played a key role in two tries.

But the Stormers took the lead with scores either side of halftime, including a penalty try after a lengthy video review that saw winger Toni Pulu sin-binned for a high shot.

A converted try to Tom Banks putting the Brumbies back on top near the hour mark and the Stormers were unable to find an answer to unlock the Australians' defensive wall.

Skipper Christian Lealiifano praised his forward pack for their whole-hearted efforts to deny the Stormers on their home turf.

"We obviously spoke about having strong defence and they were just going to keep throwing everything at us," he said.

"We were able to withstand that for 80 minutes; everyone just contributed and did their roles."

After chalking up back-to-back wins for the first time this season, the Brumbies have a 4-5 record and travel to Argentina to take on the Jaguares with a full head of steam.

"I think that's nice momentum," Lealiifano said.

"It gives the group plenty of confidence and knowing that our preparation during the week is working and it's paying off."

Australian Associated Press