The ACT Brumbies faced a challenging match against the minor premiers, the Chiefs, losing 37-17 in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final held in Hamilton. Damian McKenzie played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring six penalties and converting both tries from teammate Emoni Narawa, contributing a total of 22 points along with a crucial try assist.
The match began with the Chiefs experiencing a setback when lock Tupou Vaa’i received a yellow card for a high tackle on Billy Pollard. Capitalizing on this opportunity, the Brumbies opened the scoring with a try from Pollard off a rolling maul. However, the Chiefs quickly regained composure and responded with Narawa’s try, leveling the score after the Brumbies lost Noah Lolesio to a failed HIA.
As the game progressed, McKenzie added two penalties that put the Chiefs ahead 19-12 at halftime. The Brumbies showed resilience, with Corey Toole scoring a try early in the second half to narrow the gap to just two points. Yet, the Chiefs responded decisively, with Narawa crossing for another try after a strong break by Quinn Tupaea, followed by further penalties from McKenzie that extended their lead beyond two converted tries, ultimately sealing the victory alongside a try from Josh Jacomb.
This victory sets up the Chiefs for a final clash against the Crusaders, who recently achieved a thrilling win over the Blues. The Brumbies, while defeated, showed flashes of skill and strategy under pressure, and they will seek to build on this experience for future matches.
The Chiefs’ impressive performance, marked by tactical discipline and timely execution, reflects their strong season and offers hope for fans as they prepare for the final. The resilience displayed by both teams throughout the match serves as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability present in Super Rugby, promising fans potential for thrilling action in the weeks ahead.
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