The first international victory for the ACT was in 1973, when they defeated Tonga 17-6 after trailing 0–3 at half time. The ACT team were praised for their hard work, stamina, and willingness to take shots at goal when they were on offer. In 1978, the ACT defeated Wales, who were Five Nations champions at the time, with a late penalty goal to win 21-20 after trailing 6–16 at half time. Head coach Colin Maxwell explained that his team beat the best team in the world by being "the first team in Australia to take them on up the guts", with the ACT forwards starving the Welsh of possession and the team ensuring territorial advantage through pressure on the Welsh kickers. Tactical kicking, ball retention, and pressuring opponents in their own half are still considered to be "The Brumbies' ... traditional strength".