Heading into this week’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific semi finals, Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan revealed how they were so eager to knock the Blues out of the competition last weekend without any psychological factor in knowing his team wouldn't get kicked out of the playoffs if they lost to the Blues.
The Chiefs suffered a close 20-19 last-minute loss to the Blues on Saturday but since they finished at the top of the points table after the round-robin competition, they were given the "lucky loser' tag, which meant that even if they lost, they were still guaranteed a place in the semis.
During the post-match interview after their loss to the Blues, McMillan emphatically stated there had been no complacency in that game and they wanted to put the Blues to bed.
He says winning will just fuel more confidence, and they were looking to bag a win last week to boost their confidence heading into the semi finals.
He adds the Chiefs never entered games thinking about the following week.
McMillan says it is always what is directly in front of them and he feels his team has been consistent with that.
He says their preparation and the effort they put in every week are reflective of a team that really wants to win.
The Chiefs will host the Brumbies at 7.05pm this Saturday in the second semi final in Hamilton.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders will host the Blues at 7.05pm Friday in the first semi final in Christchurch.
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