Chiefs 'too slow' out the blocks
The Chiefs are blaming a slow start for their two-year reign as Super Rugby champions coming to an abrupt end.
Australia's Brumbies ended the Chiefs' domination of the Southern Hemisphere showpiece with an epic 32-30 play-off win in an eight-try thriller in Canberra on Saturday.
The two-time winners shot out of the blocks to lead 22-3 after 28 minutes, only for the Chiefs to storm back and level the scores at 25-all with under 30 minutes left.
But the Brumbies hung on and a powerful maul, that resulted in a try to flank Jarrad Butler on the hour turned out to be the winner.
All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden had the chance to send the game into extra-time, but missed a sideline conversion attempt after replacement Gareth Anscombe's try three minutes from time.
Cruden said their slow start cost them the match.
The Chiefs two previous titles – in 2012 and 2013 – were achieved on the back of a strong defensive structure, but in Saturday's qualifier their defence went missing.
The Chiefs missed 28 first-half tackles, which led to three early tries by the home side in the first 20 minutes – which forced the defending champions to chase the game.
"We started pretty slowly and gave a quality side like the Brumbies a lead like that," said Cruden after the match.
"We did really well to peg it back and showed a lot of character, but in these play-off games you need to be clinical for 80 minutes."
"We are proud to be here, but we really thought we could push on… it wasn't to be.
