Chiefs prove too good for Brumbies
Ruthless Chiefs secure second victory, Brumbies struggle
The Gallagher Chiefs have started the Super Rugby Pacific season with two straight wins after beating the ACT Brumbies 46-12 in the Super Round at AAMI Park, Melbourne on Sunday.
Corey Toole was the shining light for the Brumbies, crossing for a double.
However, it was all the Chiefs as they scored three late tries to seal the dominant win - a great celebration for hooker Bradley Slater in his 50th appearance.
The Chiefs were on their game early, leaving the Brumbies chasing the game after a clinical first half.
They raced out to a 10-0 lead when Etene Nanai-Seturo targeted a group of forwards in the line and broke through, drawing the fullback for Xavier Roe to strike.
Toole then produced his magic, replicating his efforts from round one with a great chip-and-chase try to get the Brumbies on the board.
However, it was their only scoring opportunity of the half as the hosts ground them down.
Fullback Shaun Stevenson looked dangerous and put Nanai-Seturo over in the 15th minute.
Roe nearly got his second when Stevenson broke free from the kickoff, only stopped by a desperate Noah Lolesio tackle.
He couldn’t stop Damian McKenzie two minutes later as he finished off a great lineout move for the Chiefs to go into the break up 25-7.
The Brumbies were left searching for answers as they struggled to build pressure.
They eventually worked their way into the contest when Ryan Lonergan scooped up a loose ball and launched a 50-22, setting up Toole to strike for his second. However, as soon as they were in the contest, the Chiefs hit straight back as their forwards pierced through the line before replacement Josh Ioane strolled over.
It opened the floodgates for the
Chiefs, who were intent to make a statement in a rematch of last year’s semi-final.
Reserve halfback Cortez Ratima got a double as they capped off the strong afternoon. The only downside for the Chiefs was a red card to Jared Proffit for a high shot on Cadeyrn Neville.