McKenzie gives Brumbies the boot

DAMIAN McKenzie kicked the Chiefs into a third successive Super Rugby Pacific final, punishing the Brumbies for their indiscipline in a 37-17 semifinal win on Saturday.

Both teams scored three tries in Hamilton but flyhalf McKenzie landed eight shots from nine, including six penalty goals, in a 22-point haul as the Chiefs booked a place in next week’s final against the Crusaders.

The Crusaders beat the Blues 21-14 on Friday and are seeking their eighth title in nine seasons.

The Chiefs have not won the title since 2013, having lost in the final the past two seasons.

All Blacks sharpshooter McKenzie was at the heart of a clinical Chiefs display, setting up two tries and saving one when he held up Brumbies fullback Tony Wright over the line.

Saturday's decider in Christchurch will be the fourth successive all-New Zealand final since Super Rugby Pacific launched in 2022.

The Brumbies have lost in the semifinals in each of those seasons. No Australian team has won a play-off match in New Zealand in 21 attempts.