Brumbies lose 37-17 to Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific semifinals
Australia's wait for a Super Rugby Pacific finals winner in New Zealand continues after the ACT Brumbies crashed 37-17 to the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Playing in their fourth successive semifinal, the gallant Brumbies again missed a berth in the season decider.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, will play in their third straight final, taking on the Crusaders in Christchurch next Saturday.
No Australian team has won a final in New Zealand, with the Brumbies following Queensland out of the competition after the Reds were beaten by the Crusaders in the qualifying final.
While it was three tries a piece, penalties proved an issue for the visitors, who tallied 11 to the Chiefs' seven.
All Blacks playmaker Damien McKenzie booted six penalty goals as well as two conversions and set up the Chiefs' third try in a starring performance.
The fly-half also pulled off a miracle tackle in the 65th minute, getting his hand under the ball to deny Brumbies fullback Tom Wright a certain try.
The Brumbies' quest to end a 0-20 record encountered a major setback with Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio departing just 10 minutes into the match after an accidental head-knock while making a tackle.
His replacement, Jack Debreczeni did an admirable job but the Brumbies still missed their chief playmaker, who is shifting his career to Japan.
The Brumbies were well in the hunt at half-time, only trailing 19-12, with hooker Billy Pollard rumbling across and winger Corey Toole scoring the first of his two tries off a Debreczeni cross-field kick.
The home side's points came from Emoni Narawa, with the winger catching the defence offside with a quick 'pick and go'.
But the Brumbies' penalty count was already double the Chiefs.
A scrum infringement after the half-time siren allowed McKenzie to slot three points from the kicking tee.
While the Brumbies scored first in the second half — with Toole bumping off McKenzie en route to a brilliant individual try to get within two points — Narawa hit straight back for his second.
The Brumbies were unable to add to their tally, while two McKenzie penalties and a Josh Jacomb try sealed a dominant win for the Chiefs.
AAP
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