The Chiefs suffered their first loss of the Super Rugby campaign overnight when they went down 18-15 to a resurgent Western Force side in Perth.
Fresh from their win in Dunedin over the Highlanders last week, the Force proved just how hard they are to beat on their home ground
with a thoroughly deserved victory.
The Chiefs lacked their usual composure with ball in hand, dropping way too much ball in the hot and humid conditions, and were unable to stop the Force's combative rolling maul that led to both tries scored by captain Matt Hodgson.
Only the deadly accurate boots of Aaron Cruden and Gareth Anscombe kept the Chiefs in the game with six penalties between them. The Chiefs were unable to score a try and rarely looked likely.
But this loss will not be overly concerning for the Chiefs coaching staff led by Dave Rennie, as in every campaign a slip-up like this has had the effect of galvanising the side to step up to the next level required to make the play-offs.
