WATCH: Damian McKenzie pulls of ‘unreal’ try-saving tackle in Super Rugby Pacific semi-final

Louis Chapman Coombe
Damian McKenzie Chiefs v Brumbies Super Rugby Pacific 2024 - Alamy

Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie outstrips the Brumbies defence.

All Blacks star Damian McKenzie was the hero for the Chiefs in their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against the Brumbies, as he pulled off a miraculous try-saving tackle to deny Tom Wright. 

The wily playmaker was right at the heart of his side’s 37-17 win over the Aussie side, scoring 22 of his side’s points off the tee to power them through to next weekend’s Grand Final.

Damian McKenzie pulls off remarkable try-saving tackle in Chiefs win

The act in question was arguably one of the highlights of the game, with McKenzie denying the Wallabies international, Wright, a certain try at a crucial point in the contest.

Following a restart, the Brumbies star leapt highest to win the ball back for his side. As he landed back on the ground, he spun out of a tackle, bamboozling the other three covering defenders in the process and raced towards the try-line.

Chiefs v Brumbies: Five takeaways as ‘brilliant’ Damian McKenzie and ‘luckless’ Noah Lolesio endure mixed fortunes in hosts’ triumph

But, that didn’t deter All Blacks ace McKenzie, who chased him down to deny a crucial score just as the Brumbies looked to claw their way back into the game.

His effort drew high praise from fans on social media as well.

“Unreal, like he’s unreal,” said one user.

Another added: “DMac 👏👏👏”

Popular rugby page All Things Rugby added: “Wow”

Chiefs book spot in Grand Final

The victory for the Chiefs now puts them into a second successive Super Rugby Pacific final, where they will face New Zealand rivals the Crusaders.

The Brumbies actually took the lead after a score in the 14th minute, but McKenzie’s boot helped give the hosts a 19-14 lead at the interval.

McKenzie was again at the forefront of the action in the second-half too, slotting two further penalties and a conversion to power the hosts into next weekend’s showpiece game.

READ MORE: 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Final: Time, date and venue revealed

Brumbies Damian McKenzie

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