The Chiefs are the team to beat heading into the Super Rugby Pacific finals after a 31-21 win over the ACT Brumbies.
The commanding victory seals the minor premiership for Clayton McMillan's side, ensuring home advantage for the finals.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
Meanwhile, the Brumbies fall to back-to-back losses and will be searching for answers after the disappointing defeat.
So what did we learn?
1 BENCHMARK
The Chiefs once again solidify their status as the team to beat heading into this year’s finals series.
It was a comprehensive performance in the nation’s capital, smothering the Brumbies.
After a slip-up against the Reds, back-to-back wins over top-five teams have the Chiefs brimming with confidence at the right time of the season.
It will have Chiefs fans dreaming of 2013 as they wrap up top spot with a round to go.
However, the Blues showed last year that the regular season doesn’t ensure you will be lifting the trophy at the end of the year. Since their heroics ten years ago, the Chiefs have been regular visitors to the final four, only to fall in the knock-out stages.
2. DEFENSIVE CONCERNS
If the Brumbies want to contest for the title, defence needs to be their primary focus in the final week before finals.
They look to disrupt the Chiefs by racing up in their face but failed to make that first tackle.
The Brumbies missed 21 in the first half and remain the second-worst team for missed tackles in the competition.
You compare it to the Chiefs, who made 24 more tackles in the half but missed 13 fewer.
3. LUCKY LUKE
Luke Jacobson gave a masterclass against two of the world’s best in Rob Valetini and Pete Samu
Jacobson terrorised the Brumbies from the first scrum of the game with his dummy and try.
He was unstoppable with eight tackle busts and a crucial steal.
The number eight was supported in kind by Alex Nankivell, who constantly found himself in space whenever he touched the ball.
4. AL’S DOUBLE TROUBLE
Allan Alaalatoa will have a nervous couple of days to come.
The Wallaby found himself sitting for ten after a high shot in the first half. You’d expect it not to warrant any other sanctioning and if it does, there will be criticism from those north about the tackle that left Connor Vest with a fractured neck.
To compound the night, Alaalatoa limped from the field with a calf injury early in the first half.
It seems to be the common theme of the round but with the finals less than a fortnight away, any niggle is amplified. That’s why Brumby fans would’ve been delighted to see Pete Samu return from the field after briefly exiting the field
5. CONVERTING THEIR CHANCES
The evolution of the Brumbies attack has been fascinating to watch, no longer solely reliant on the rolling maul, however, missed that much-needed polish tonight.
Tamati Tua has been a great foil for Len Ikitau, running a great line to get over the advantage line, finding his centre partner for the opener. The addition of Corey Toole adds a counter-attacking element, on display when Tom Wright sliced through in the opening 30 seconds.
However, it all seemed to fall apart as soon as they reached the 22. Whether it was a mistimed pass or poor hands, it never seemed to click for the Brumbies.
The return of Nic White will help this and the Brumbies remain deadly when it all clicks, evident in the final 15 minutes.
