They were the worst performing team in the competition in terms of retaining possession, yet used the relative scraps that they did get better than anyone else.
In terms of the closeness of the members of their squad - another way of saying "culture" - they have gone ahead of the Crusaders, who were the benchmark for years.
Their facilities at Ruakura mean they have outstripped their foe in Christchurch in this regard too. They recruit well - their tentacles hunting for new talent spread throughout New Zealand - and players probably would not need much convincing to move to Hamilton.
The title win this year wasn't easy - they sneaked past the Crusaders 20-19 in the semifinal at Waikato Stadium and the Brumbies were a worthy final opponent.
But, with a montage of their pa - or fortified village - stuck to their dressing room wall made up of pictures of loved ones, they went back to back. Few would bet against them doing it again next year.
Words such as "dynasty" sit easily with the Chiefs. With Sonny Bill Williams likely to be back in 2015, could they be the first franchise to go four in a row?