Super Rugby Final: Chiefs 27-22 Brumbies
Aaron Cruden hails conquering Chiefs
August 3, 2013
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The Chiefs overcome a strong challenge from the Brumbies (video available only in Australia)
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Aaron Cruden has hailed the character of the Chiefs team that fought back to win the Super Rugby final at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand, after being put under huge pressure, if not dominated, by the Brumbies.

"The Brumbies really tested us in the first 60 minutes and we had our backs against the wall," the Chiefs fly-half said. "But as a good Chiefs team does, we came out fighting and were able to get home in the end. "It's massive [getting successive titles]. It's a goal we set right at the start of the year. To come through the journey that we have and succeed in achieving that goal is pretty satisfying."

Cruden, meanwhile, was relieved rather than satisfied with his personal contribution having endured a mixed night as the nominated goal kicker after coach Dave Rennie preferred him to recognised sharpshooter Gareth Anscombe. Cruden kicked six from nine attempts , missing two penalties and a conversion he would normally expect to slot, while Brumbies kicker Christian Leali'ifano landed five penalties and converted his own try; but he stepped up to convert Robbie Robinson's try before seeing a penalty sail through the posts to seal the come-from-behind victory.

"It's been a tricky old season to be fair," said Cruden of his goal-kicking. "I was just stoked to see the last couple go through the posts. As a kicker, you just have to try and kick your way through the bad times and hopefully a few go through the posts - which the last couple did."

Aaron Cruden did not enjoy the best of nights at the kicking tee © Getty Images
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