The Chiefs celebrate winning the Super Rugby Final.Credit:Getty Images
The young Brumbies gave up a 10-point lead in the second half as the Waikato Chiefs stormed to a 27-22 win to claim back-to-back titles.
In the end,four weeks on the road,30,000 kilometres of travel,four time zones and three different countries took their toll on the defiant Brumbies.
Coming through:Liam Messam of the Chiefs charges with the ball against the Brumbies in the Super Rugby final.Credit:Getty Images
The game had all the hallmarks of a fairytale as Brumbies playmaker Christian Lealiifano scored all 22 points against his former club.
Jake White's team of Brumbies misfits and unknowns were the feel-good story of Super Rugby fighting against the odds to try to become just the second team in the competition's history to win out of its own country. But it made errors at crucial times and it cost it dearly.
Young half-back Nic White and rising full-back Jesse Mogg both failed to find touch on separate occasions. Both mistakes proved crucial.
The Brumbies stood as shattered men. Their heads hung low,legendary flanker George Smith paced around in circles in his farewell game and captain Ben Mowen was courageous in defeat.