All hail the Chiefs!

The Super Rugby semi-final last week at Hamilton between the Chiefs and the Crusaders lived up to the billing as match of the season. But last night's final went one better.

The Brumbies went into the match as underdogs, facing an arduous travel schedule just to make it to Hamilton, let alone prepare for the most important match of the season. But they threw everything at the Chiefs last night (sometimes from offside positions), and were gallant in defeat. Veteran flanker George Smith was a particular hero, putting himself about without a fear for his personal safety.

Midway through the second half, things were getting pretty nervous in Hamilton. However after weathering a lengthy period on defence including a disallowed try, the Chiefs fought back as the Brumbies players' tanks emptied. Two late tries to the Chiefs to a thrilling 27-22 victory in front of a packed house of more than 25,000 delighted punters.

It wasn't always pretty rugby. Both sides played the match to and beyond the limits of the law, and referee Craig Joubert was forced to be generous with the penalties. But the match had all the tension and drama of a major final.

The pivotal moment came with 15 minutes to play when Liam Messam crashed over after a scrum 5m from the Brumbies' line. Four minutes later substitute Robbie Robinson found space in midfield when for one of the few times in the match the Brumbies defence opened up. Aaron Cruden had been striking the ball appallingly all night, but converted the Robinson try and added a penalty from the same spot a few minutes later and that, as they say, was the ballgame.

The Chiefs could have folded last night, but they hung in and hung in, and their victory was a deserved one. The Brumbies gave it everything, but made some crucial mistakes under pressure in the closing minutes, and that proved the difference between winning and losing.

So ends another season of Super Rugby, and once again, the Chiefs are setting the standard for the New Zealand franchises. Dave Rennie and his management team have turned the Chiefs into a footie fortress.

All hail the Chiefs; Super Rugby Champions in 2012 and 2013.