HAMILTON, New Zealand — In an exhilarating Saturday match, the Chiefs from Hamilton secured their place in the Super Rugby final with a commanding 37-17 victory over the ACT Brumbies, setting up a showdown against the Crusaders in Christchurch next weekend. This marks the Chiefs’ third consecutive trip to the championship match.
The dynamic Emoni Narawa, playing as a winger, made a significant impact with two tries for the Chiefs. For the Brumbies, Corey Toole also managed to cross the line twice, with both teams scoring three tries each.
The distinguishing factor in the game was Chiefs’ flyhalf Damian McKenzie, who delivered an impressive performance by kicking six penalties and two conversions, amassing 22 points. This pushed his total for the season beyond 200 points.
Josh Jacomb added to the tally for the Chiefs with a try in the 64th minute, creating a 20-point separation that proved insurmountable. Additionally, McKenzie’s crucial tackle on Tom Wright just two minutes later quelled any hopes of a Brumbies comeback.
“The Brumbies came out of the blocks fast as we knew they would, and I just love the way we were really composed and stuck to our game,” McKenzie remarked. “We put the ball in front of our forwards and our set piece was great tonight.”
Australia’s Brumbies, who hoped to clinch their first Super Rugby title since 2004, were the country’s last representatives in the playoffs. Unfortunately, their defeat extended a worrisome streak for Australian teams, which now stands at 0-21 in Super Rugby games played in New Zealand.
Complicating matters for the Brumbies was the departure of Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio due to a failed head injury assessment just 11 minutes in. Known for their strategic kicking, the Brumbies lost an integral part of their game plan with Lolesio’s absence, marking a key turning point.
Despite periods of heavy pressure applied by the Brumbies on the Chiefs’ defense throughout both halves, an earlier try from hooker Billy Pollard was nearly their only major offensive highlight. Initially opening the scoring with a powerful lineout drive in the 15th minute, Pollard mirrored his previous performance in the quarterfinal against the Hurricanes, ending his season with 11 tries, matching Toole’s efforts.
Narawa’s first try came in the 20th minute after he deftly picked up the ball from an attacking ruck and sliced through the Brumbies’ defensive line. Toole’s first try was a result of a sharp cross-kick from Jack Debreczeni, a former Chiefs player, bridging the gap at halftime to 19-12 in favor of the Chiefs, thanks to McKenzie’s penalty successes.
The match remained tightly contested as Toole struck again with a solo run down the left-wing shortly after the break, bringing the scores to 19-17. However, Narawa’s second try initiated an 18-point spree by the Chiefs, quelling any remaining resistance from the Brumbies.
The Chiefs are now preparing to elevate their game further in a bid to capture their third Super Rugby championship—ending the final jinx they’ve experienced in the last two years against the Crusaders and Blues. With the final being held in Christchurch next Saturday, the Chiefs aim to upend the Crusaders, who are vying for their 13th title.