Brodie Retallick of the Chiefs celebrates his match-securing try in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final match against the Brumbies at FMG Stadium in Hamilton. Photo: Aaron Gillions / PhotoSport
It will be an all New Zealand Super Rugby final next weekend after the Chiefs beat the Brumbies 19-6 in Hamilton tonight to set up a clash with the Crusaders.
It was a battle which was in the balance right until the final few minutes as a Brodie Retallick try sealed the win in the 77th.
Miserable conditions greeted the sides in Hamilton and it was Damian McKenzie opening the scoring after eight minutes with a penalty, before extending the lead with a second.
Jack Debreczeni replied for the Brumbies as both sides struggled to break strong defences.
The Chiefs spent the final 10 minutes of the first half hammering away at the Brumbies line, but were unable to crack the visitors.
Samisoni Taukei'aho appeared to have finally crossed the chalk, but was ruled to be held up despite replays suggesting otherwise.
Damian McKenzie was superb for the Chiefs. Photo: Aaron Gillions / PhotoSport
A disastrous drop out by the Brumbies gave the Chiefs one final opportunity to score the opening try before halftime but they were again denied as the sides went to the sheds with the hosts up by just 6-3.
The two team traded penalties again to start the second.
A number of kicking duels ensued as players battled for precious territory.
McKenzie slotted a 50 metre penalty to stretch the lead to 12-6 with nine minutes remaining.
The mercurial first five then broke the Brumbies line wide open to set up the game's only try, as Retallick powered over to seal the dramatic win.
See how the game unfolded with Jamie wall's live blog
Rob Valetini in action for the Brumbies during the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final match between the Chiefs and the Brumbies at FMG Stadium in Hamilton. Photo: Aaron Gillions / PhotoSport
-RNZ
