First take: Chiefs round out great day for NZ sport

Aaron Cruden kicked a last minute penalty to give the Chiefs a come-from-behind win. Photo / Getty Images

Chiefs 19
Brumbies 17

Tempo was top of the sports agenda.

It began with Tim Southee scything through the Poms batting order before Brendon McCulllum blasted them into cricket's NeverNeverland.

That cadence continued when the Chiefs took to their latest home patch in New Plymouth and duked it out with the equally ambitious Brumbies, a side who narrowed their style under Jake White but are blossoming with Stephen Larkham's tuition.

That intent showed as Nic White ignored a number of shots at goal to search for tries through lineout rumbles while the Chiefs brought some bell-ringing counter-attack.

One of those surges from the backfield gathered their opening try to Charlie Ngatai before a would-be classic was rubbed out by the TMO and Ma'ama Vaipulu's hands. As Liam Messam chased a kick down the left flank he chipped a Chelsea-style left foot cross back towards the posts where his loosie shelled the chance.

The Brumbies had Tevita Kurindrani who demanded loads of defensive attention while Henry Speight was equally as dangerous on the right wing.

It's early days to be making predictions but both sides have shown a great deal more organisation and intent than others and should be well in the mix for playoff positions.

They are inventive with aggressive defence as a core of their plans. They began with some high octane intent last week and brought the same recipe to last night's work.

Their backlines complement their hardworking packs who got the bonus of more of their test men like Stephen Moore and Brodie Retallick back into work after the interval.

Neither the Chiefs or Brumbies had anyone with the enduring brilliance of Southee and McCullum but they brought the teamwork and combinations the Black Caps are showing and other Super Rugby sides crave.