Brumbies 30
Chiefs 23
The Brumbies proved there is life after George Smith, and Julian Huxley resurrected his rugby career in style, as the Chiefs' Super 14 title challenge sustained another demoralising blow in Canberra last night.
An enthralling contest seemed destined to end in stalemate at Canberra Stadium until Brumbies pivot Matt Toomua scored a disputed - and decisive - try in the 78th minute.
Backtracking after a strong Brumbies shove, the Chiefs lost possession when claiming reserve halfback Junior Poluleuligaga was obstructed at a breakdown.
Patrick Phibbs retrieved the ball and passed to an unmarked Toomua.
It was a blow for the Chiefs, who soaked up colossal pressure in the final quarter.
Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles admitted his side got "a bit of luck out of it" in relation to Toomua's try, though on the balance of play the home side probably deserved the win.
The Chiefs barely made it out of their half after the break and the Brumbies spent almost eight minutes pounding away from close range.
The Chiefs are left to contemplate a third successive loss and a 50-50 win-loss record after a fine start in South Africa and Perth.
They are provisionally sixth but destined to be overtaken by the end of the seventh round.
The night started ominously for their recalled No 8 Sione Lauaki, who dropped his first possession, though fortunately for the Chiefs they already had a penalty advantage which enabled Stephen Donald to open the scoring - and nail the first of five successful shots at goal.
For Canberra, the 30-year-old Huxley made a remarkable return two years after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The fullback replaced Francis Fainifo in the 12th minute and, despite having played only twice for the Brumbies development side, produced a polished performance.
- NZPA
