BENJAMIN SCOTT
The Chiefs have won back-to-back Super Rugby titles after defeating the ACT Brumbies 27-22 in a thrilling fashion last Saturday night.
Tagged as ‘underdogs’ going into the game, the Brumbies proved why they should be in finals as they pushed ahead 9-0 early in the first half.
Fly-half Aaron Cruden finally got the Chiefs on the board in the 24th minute with a penalty goal and by the 33rd minute scores were level.
Just before halftime the Brumbies scored their only try when inside centre Christian Leali’ifano intercepted a pass from Chiefs halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow 35 metres out to put the Brumbies ahead 14-9.
Leali’ifano converted the try to end the first half with the Brumbies leading 16-9.
In an absorbing contest it was the Brumbies who lead the Chiefs 22-12 early in the second half with two penalty goals from Leali’ifano.
But two quick tries from Liam Messam and Robbie Robinson in the 64th and 66th minute put the Chiefs up 27-22 and ahead for the rest of the game.
In the final ten minutes the Brumbies weren’t without their own opportunities to snatch the title but costly errors let them down as the Chiefs claimed the title.
This is the Chiefs second victory in two years after defeating the Sharks in last year’s final.