Super Rugby
Rennie puzzled after 'flat' outing
April 14, 2013
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The Chiefs' Bundee Aki (front) celebrates his try against the Reds with Tim Nanai-Williams, Chiefs v Queensland Reds, Super Rugby, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, April 13, 2013
The Chiefs' Bundee Aki (front) provided a rare highlight coach Dave Rennie © Getty Images
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Chiefs coach Dave Rennie was at a loss to find reasons for his side's disappointing 23-31 loss to the Queensland Reds in Hamilton on Saturday.

Both sides had a bye heading into the match, but it was the hosts who looked the more rusty side, dropping at least six opportunities for points within 20 metres of the Reds' try-line.

But when quizzed by reporters, Rennie said he was happy with the team's preparations ahead of the round-nine clash.

"We created a lot of opportunities but we were inaccurate and I think we were pretty flat in a lot of areas tonight," Rennie said. "We had a really good build-up. I guess it's black and white - you can't put sides like the Reds away if you don't use the ball."

Captain Liam Messam was also at a loss to explain his side's disappointing display, but said there were some positives to take from the performance.

Those included a dominant scrum display that had the Reds struggling to cope, while their set pieces were also well orchestrated.

But a surprise lift in intensity saw the visiting forwards stand up to their fancied opponents with vigour, resulting in an even contest at the breakdown.

Messam said his side's response to abandoning catch-up rugby and going back to the basics was something the hosts didn't do for the first 70 minutes.

"We just try to do the basics well, that's all we can do," Messam said. "When pressure like that is on you, you try and shift the momentum by doing the basics well. We did that after 60 minutes." The Chiefs board a plane to Sydney for their next match against New South Wales Waratahs at ANZ Stadium in round ten.

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