'The noise is near impossible to drown out': Brumbies urged not to panic as Kiwi hoodoo strikes again
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Attention now turns to next week's Wallabies squad naming ahead of the British and Irish Lions series after Australia's last Super Rugby Pacific title hope bowed out on Saturday night.
The ACT Brumbies were game but no serious match for the Chiefs in a 37-17 semi-final loss in Hamilton to set up an all-New Zealand grand final against the Crusaders in Christchurch next weekend.
The Brumbies have now lost in the semis four years in a row and an Aussie team has not won the competition since the NSW Waratahs under Michael Cheika in 2014.
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Tom Wright of the Brumbies reacts to the loss. Getty
"Another stumble at the second to last hurdle, but the Chiefs had a really strict game plan and they put us to the sword, so fair play to them," Brumbies fullback Tom Wright told Stan Sport.
The Brumbies were attempting to become the first Australian team to win a playoff game in New Zealand.
It was not to be and the Kiwis are now 21-0.
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"I don't think we needed to talk about creating history, that drive was always there for us," Wright said.
"Externally though, the noise is near impossible to drown out, but as a group we didn't talk about that as such.
"Knowing that noise is there didn't change anything. If you don't have enough motivation before this evening, you're probably playing in the wrong game, right?"
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It was a sombre farewell for Brumbies stars Noah Lolesio and Tom Hooper, who are playing in Japan and England respectively next season.
Wallabies playmaker Lolesio was consoled by Stan Sport's Sonny Bill Williams on the sidelines after failing a HIA early in the first half.
"What we spoke about all week is that we had to play close to a perfect game to come out here and get the result," Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa told Stan Sport.
"In the second half, our accuracy let us down and off the back of that probably our discipline as well… then they capitalised on that."
The teams scored three tries apiece with wingers Emoni Narawa and Corey Toole both snaring classy doubles.
But man of the match Damian McKenzie's six penalties, and a brilliant try-saver on Wright, proved decisive.
Despite yet another setback, All Blacks great Jeff Wilson said Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham should not panic.
"Building on it is the way to go," Wilson told Stan Sport.
"I like the way they've played this season. I think they've expanded their game. They've got great threats on the outside, and we saw that tonight in the tries that they scored, and very unlucky.
"I mean, a great piece of defence saves a try, which might have given them a little bit of a sniff, you know, when Damian McKenzie gets back and stops Tom Wright.
"In regards to their season, I like their squad, their platform. James Slipper's signed on, and he should, because he's rejuvenated.
"I don't know what they've done in Canberra to him, but ultimately for me, there's a reason they're in the top four, because of their consistency. I understand a lot of the young guys are already committed to come back.
"I like where they're at. They're going to be one of those teams next year that are tough to play at home, like good sides are.
"So for me, I've got full respect for the organisation, what Stephen Larkham's done there, and for me, the guts of that side is going to be part of the Wallabies."
Schmidt is expected to name his Test squad late next week to prepare for the Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt speaks to the media. Getty
NSW Waratahs five-eighth Tane Edmed is expected to replace Lolesio at the Brumbies next season.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, face a Crusaders side that has not lost at home in 31 finals games.
"We don't have any fear about going down to Christchurch and playing the Crusaders," Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said.
"We're one team that's had our fair share of success down there.
"We know it's not going to be easy. They've got a formidable record and are a quality team.
"They demonstrated that last night - real composure when the Blues were sort of inching their way back into the game. You know you've got to be at your best."
