A lot of good performances for the Brumbs, but 2 fellas were particularly good: Nic White and Rob Valentini.
And the contrast between White & Valentini with Ratima and Jacobsen really highlighted the difference between the 2 teams.
Both White and Valentini were so much more committed defensively. There is an intensity and appreciation for the physical side of the game.
Most importantly, they both made the game so much less complicated.
For White - this was effective kicking. None of this flailing about, put ourselves under pressure rubbish. 1 good kick, and the complexion of the game changes from defence to attack, from under pressure to applying pressure. NZ scrummies don't kick enough. Even Dupont, who is by far, by far, the best ball running scrummie, kicks and kicks well.
For Valentini - this is alignment, urgency, impact with ball carrying. Valentini isn't worried about freeing his hands to offload in the tackle or keeping the ball alive first and foremost. His priority is to make the advantage line, hopefully sucking in more than 1 defender. He regularly did, trampling over some half-hearted defence.
2 simple things. Kick when under pressure to alleviate pressure. Do the most important thing first - align quickly on attack to get options, run onto the ball, carry hard. That's all there is really.
Yet everything the Chiefs did looked so complicated - yes occasionally there was a good offload and occasionally you see one of the guys - Lowe, Nankeviell etc put on the dazzle and beat 3 or 4 defenders. So what? The next phase the scrum half fucks up the pass, the Brumbs turn the ball over, the Chiefs gives away a penalty - a promising attack ends in their own Red Zone, defending a big Brumbies pack when they are not physically or mentally in shape to compete with the Valentinis and Samus. For all their natural acumen, players like Lord and Finau are not ready for the highest tier of rugby. They are built like volleyball players.
It was a little sad watching, at the end of the game, Chiefs players not involved in the game smiling and pointing at the camera as their faces came up on the big screen. Fellas - you lost. convincingly. at home. Get a grip.
