Waikato Chiefs come from behind to win Super Rugby title
ACT Brumbies lead at half-time but are overwhelmed in a withering burst
The Waikato Chiefs came from behind to beat the ACT Brumbies 27-11 in the Super 15 final yesterday, reinforcing their standing as the powerhouses of the southern hemisphere.
The Chiefs claimed their second Super crown in as many years with a 15-point closing burst after trailing 12-22 with 17 minutes to go.
Before a packed crowd of 25,000 at Waikato Stadium, the Chiefs outscored the Brumbies two tries to one.
Man of the match Liam Messam and replacement fullback Robbie Robinson both crossed the line while Aaron Cruden landed one conversion and five penalties. Christian Lealiifano scored all the Brumbies points with a converted try and five penalties.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie praised his side's courage for the way they fought back when the Brumbies had command.
"It was a messy first half. They were able to get in and slow a lot of our ball and steal ball and we got sucked into trying to push too many passes. So there was real character shown in that second half. We got great impact off the bench," he said.
Brumbies coach Jake White, who in the space of two seasons has transformed the team from a spent force into title contenders, was disappointed to see victory slip away in the dying stages.