The Brumbies have ignited their Super Rugby season with a stunning eight-try display against the Chiefs in a 54-17 victory in Canberra.
Chiefs captain Brodie Retallick Photo: Photosport Ltd 2019www.photosport.nz
The Chiefs had trouble finding their feet early unable to reply to five first-half tries to to which ultimately resulted in the homeside's first victory over the Chiefs since 2014.
Everything the Brumbies touched in the first 40 minutes turned to gold as they produced their highest-scoring first half since the 2004 final to lead 33-10.
It was their second-biggest win against the Chiefs, just behind a 49-6 result in 2001.
The first half was highlighted by fullback Tom Banks putting in an early contender for try of the season.
Banks cut his way through the Chiefs' defence from 25m, showing off his explosive pace to charge across for the Brumbies' second try in a move sure to catch the eye of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
Winger Chance Peni was outstanding with two tries in his first Super Rugby game since April after he and Andy Muirhead had come into the starting side for injured pair Henry Speight and Toni Pulu.
Centre Tevita Kuridriani scored his second try in the dying moments, while hookers Folau Fainga'a and Josh Mann-Rea and flanker Lachlan McCaffrey all joined the party with a five-pointer apiece.
Captain Christian Lealiifano turned back the clock with a brilliant display at five-eighth, dominating returning Chiefs and All Blacks star Damian McKenzie in a head-to-head battle.
It was a disappointing night for Chiefs captain Brodie Retallick in his 100th Super Rugby game, as the visitors slumped to their third-straight loss dating back to last year's quarter-final.
Their only tries came via Ataata Moeakiola and Samisoni Taukei'aho.
"It was one of the games where we just have to move on. We were pretty much beaten everywhere," Chiefs coach Colin Cooper said.
"We wanted to win for the big man (Retallick) too so it was really disappointing for us."
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said he was pleased with every player contributing to the victory.
"After one game, we copped a bit of flak about being a team that can only score tries off mauls," he told reporters.
"The difference tonight was we took our opportunities when we did go wide."
- AAP
