Another year, another semifinal exit for the Brumbies.

The most recent being a 37-17 defeat to the Chiefs on Saturday evening in Hamilton.

Despite dominating the early proceedings and being firmly in the contest early in the second half after Corey Toole’s second try cut the deficit to 19-17, 18 straight points to the home side saw the Chiefs run away with the match to set up another all-New Zealand final in Christchurch against the Crusaders.

The defeat was the Brumbies’ fourth straight semifinal exit on New Zealand soil.

It was also Australian rugby’s 21st straight loss to their trans-Tasman rivals on New Zealand soil.

Emoni Narawa scored twice for the Chiefs during their semifinal win over the Brumbies in Waikato on June 14, 2025. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

A clinic from Damian McKenzie, who banged over 22 points, and two tries from winger Emoni Nawara, who was one of the Chiefs’ best, set up the 20-point win.

The Chiefs’ performance was best summed up by McKenzie’s trysaver in the 66th minute.

After Tom Wright won the kick restart following another Chiefs try, the Test fullback looked certain to score out wide but somehow McKenzie got his arm under his opponent and forced him dead in goal.