After the opening round of Super Rugby Transtasman, the Chiefs learned sometimes the best thing to do is embrace a cliché.
Playing in the final match of the opening round in Perth last weekend, the Chiefs got off to a fast start before allowing the Western Force back into thegame — and almost steal it — late in the piece.
There were no such issues in round two, as they beat the Brumbies 40-19 in Hamilton on Saturday night.
"I reckon we fell into the trap of watching everyone play before us," Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said of the opening round. "Then when we got our opportunity and got things relatively easy in the first 10 minutes, we got really loose, inaccurate — turnovers and penalties, and cards came as a result of that.
"What we learned was that you just have to focus on the next job — I know it's a bit cliché — but next job; try to get the win first and worry about bonus points and winning margins later."
With the competition comprising just five rounds before the final, bonus points and points differential loom large in each team's hopes for contending for the trophy.
Through two rounds, only the Blues and Hurricanes have secured the maximum 10 points, while the Crusaders, Highlanders and Chiefs are all tied on nine points.
McMillan said as a team, they couldn't get caught up in trying to chase points, and believed if they were good enough, they would get the desired results.
"I think you've just got to turn up, win games, then if you're good enough, you'll accumulate enough points at the end and feature in finals rugby," he said.
"You have to respect the Aussie teams. They've shown they're no pushovers, even though the New Zealand teams have continued to clock up the wins.
"They look like they're getting better and they're going to be particularly hard to beat at home.
"That's why [beating the Brumbies] was important; the Brumbies have been on the road and that's difficult.
"The last two weeks have proven that and every other team that has travelled away haven't had it all their own way."
Damian McKenzie. Photo / Photosport
McMillan said the Chiefs now had to look at their depth ahead of a trip to Townsville to meet the Reds next week, with Tupou Vaa'i (eye) and Jonah Lowe (hamstring) both exiting the win over the Brumbies due to injury.
McMillan said while neither of the injuries were serious, it was important to take stock with two matches in Australia looming, and one at home in Hamilton in between.
"We have to take stock of the injuries, who we have on deck, who can we anticipate coming back on board to help us scratch through the next few weeks.
"I'm starting to see guys now like Brad [Weber] and Damian [McKenzie] — they're energiser bunnies but sometimes in that last 20 minutes — and I know it was a free-flowing game and the ball was in play for long periods of time — but, it did look at times like we were running in quicksand.
"The only logical conclusion you can come to is there are some tired boys who are playing big minutes.
