Noah Lolesio returned from two months out with a torn hamstring to inspire the Brumbies to glory over the Reds in the Super Rugby AU final.
The Brumbies will host the Reds in the Super Rugby AU final next weekend after Brad Thorn's team overcame the Rebels on Saturday.
Cabous Eloff's late try helped the Rebels edge the Force and reach the Super Rugby AU finals.
Aaron Mauger conceded results have not been good enough during his Highlanders tenure after being informed he will not keep his job.
The Rebels are on the verge of securing a place in the Super Rugby AU finals despite a 38-32 defeat to the Waratahs on Saturday.
The ruthless Brumbies scored five tries to see off Western Force and ensure they will be at home in the final on September 19.
James O'Connor scored a try and kicked 17 points as the Reds achieved a record win over Western Force on Friday.
Free agent Malcolm Marx has joined Kubota Spears a few months after opting out of his contract with the Lions.
The Reds came from behind to claim a bonus-point victory against a wasteful Rebels in Saturday's Super Rugby AU clash.
The final game of the season saw the Highlanders trump the Hurricanes in Dunedin on Saturday.