The Chiefs aren't blaming a controversial penalty in the 77th minute for their 20-17 Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday night.
Tied at 17-all, the Hurricanes were awarded a late penalty when Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson was deemed to not roll out of a ruck. Hurricanes first-five Brett Cameron then nailed the kick to take his side back to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings.
After replays showed Jacobson attempting to move away from the ball, the game's commentators quickly voiced their disagreement with referee Paul Williams' decision.
"I couldn't disagree more," said Sky Sport commentator and former All Black Jeff Wilson.
"He's dominated the tackle and then he has been pinned into the player, that should not be a penalty in our game. Unplayable."
“He’s absolutely pinned him,” added Tony Johnson.
Speaking after the game, Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan remained more diplomatic when asked about the controversial decision.
"It was a good hit from Luke and I thought Paul had a good long look at it and he obviously saw something. We saw Luke's leg going ten to the dozen trying to get out of there but that's the game, it's margins."
McMillan was also quick to turn the blame on his side's poor discipline throughout the match rather than dwell on the late call.
"We've just got to be better, simple as that," said McMillan.
"The game is all about momentum and for large periods we didn't quite have it and when we got it we would do something dumb and give it right back.
"We gave ourselves an opportunity to get back in the game and to get ahead in the game and then we were just ill-disciplined and sloppy and against quality teams you just can't do that."
The Chiefs conceded eight more penalties than the Hurricanes during the match with 15.
Jacobson shared his coach's disappointment with their side's performance.
"Really disappointed to lose it close at the end like that... real tough loss. We know we've got what it takes to win games like that."
The result means the Chiefs will host a quarter-final, but would now need some upsets to host a semi. They wrap up their regular season against the Blues next Saturday.
The Blues can regain the competition lead with a bonus point against the Crusaders, with the Hurricanes scheduled to visit the Highlanders next Saturday.
Join Newshub at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Blues v Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific clash
