Damian McKenzie delivered a virtuoso performance, scoring 22 points to guide the Waikato Chiefs to a 37–17 semi-final victory over the ACT Brumbies in Hamilton on June 14, 2025. With an impeccable six penalties and two conversions, McKenzie punished the Brumbies’ lapses in discipline, orchestrating a dominant performance that secured the Chiefs a third consecutive Super Rugby Pacific final appearance.
This win sets up a high-stakes showdown with the all-conquering Canterbury Crusaders in Christchurch—a squad boasting a breathtaking 31 straight playoff victories at home.
Strategic Precision and Tactical Control
McKenzie’s opening salvo came early, dissecting Brumbies mistakes to open the scoring with penalty after penalty. His invaluable composure and accuracy came amid a charged atmosphere in Hamilton. A highlight arrived in the 65th minute: McKenzie raced back to stop a certain Brumbies try, getting his hand under Tom Wright’s dive at the try line— a defining moment reinforcing his all-around impact.
“He kicked six penalties and two conversions—and even made that try-saving tackle,” reflected commentators, underscoring his dual role as scorer and defender.
Brothers‑in‑Arms: Narawa and Jacomb Excel
Supporting McKenzie’s brilliance were Emoni Narawa, who crossed for two impressive tries—one before halftime and another in the early second half—and Josh Jacomb, whose converted try in the 65th minute practically sealed the outcome. Narawa’s opportunism, capitalizing off tight ruck defense, emphasized the Chiefs’ clinical edge.
Brumbies’ Missed Chances and Discipline Issues
Despite controlling possession and territory for much of the match, the Brumbies faltered. Their fly‑half, Noah Lolesio, exited early with a concussion in the 10th minute—his loss contributing to their early scrappiness. While Billy Pollard and Corey Toole (two tries) managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, the team’s inability to convert possession into points—spurning penalty kicks when possible—proved costly.
Captain Allan Alaalatoa admitted that “accuracy let us down…and off the back of that probably our discipline as well”.
Tactical Counterpoint and Second‑Half Surge
After weathering early pressure—including a yellow card to Tupou Vaa’i—the Chiefs shifted to a more assertive second-half approach.Their set piece and forward play held firm, enabling Narawa’s second try and McKenzie’s third penalty to push the lead to 32–17 before Jacomb’s try pressed the lead to an unassailable 20‑point margin.
Coach Clayton McMillan will be buoyed by his team’s near-flawless execution, having already experienced heartbreak in previous finals. The balance of tactical kicking, forward momentum, and McKenzie’s scoring is a formula his side will aim to replicate in Christchurch.
McKenzie’s Legacy and Chiefs’ Playoff Pattern
McKenzie’s standout contributions are more than timely—they’re emblematic. In 2024, he was the SRP’s leading point scorer (177)); already in 2025, he stands atop the league again with 207 points . His status as the Chiefs’ all-time leading point scorer, with over 125 caps, reflects both talent and enduring influence.
This consistent output in seasons and playoffs offers McMillan’s squad a reliable launchpad, reinforcing the leadership structure essential for championship contention.
Facing the Final: Chiefs vs Crusaders
Next week’s Super Rugby Pacific final pits the Chiefs against the formidable Crusaders in Christchurch. With the Crusaders undefeated at home in playoffs and fresh off a tight 21–14 semi-final win over the Blues, the stage is set for a titanic test.
For the Chiefs, it’s about seizing the narrative: third consecutive final, but second straight runner‑up finish after 2023 and a final loss in 2024 to the Blues .
Final Word
Damian McKenzie’s masterful control with the boot—combined with precision defense and incisive support from Narawa and Jacomb—propelled the Chiefs into their third straight Super Rugby Pacific final. Their all‑rounded strategy, execution, and star form culminated in a 37–17 demolition of a competitive Brumbies side. As they head to Christchurch, the Chiefs will aim to transform this relentless playoff journey and McKenzie’s scoring brilliance into ultimate triumph.
