After two years as the Super Rugby benchmark the Chiefs reign is over, bravely falling 32-30 to the Brumbies in a thrilling playoff.

Attacking rugby, four tries a piece and a pair of yellow cards – the opening playoff match for 2014 had it all and some.

Chiefs midfield Bundee Aki scored the side's first try in the playoff match against the Brumbies. Photo: File.

But having not won in Canberra since 2008, and a mere three victories against the Brumbies in the Australian capital, the Chiefs quest started in the worst possible fashion.

An early Aaron Cruden penalty might have settled the nerves somewhat, but with centre Tim Nanai-Williams sinbinned for not rolling away at ruck time in the opening five the task got even tougher.

Darting across from the ensuing lineout Brumbies halfback Nic White was the catalyst for an attacking onslaught – the home side running in three tries in the space of 20 minutes.

Wing Robbie Coleman and fullback Jesse Mogg were the next benefactors with the Brumbies flying high with a highly physical and up-tempo style of play.

Shell-shocked and unable to contain the Brumbies, the Chiefs instead had to be content with defending for their life – finding themselves down 22-3.

And looking back one must feel such a deficit may have been a touch to much leeway for the defending champions to give away.

Managing to finally get their hands on the ball – and into the game- the Chiefs fought back impressively with midfield Bundee Aki crashing over after sustained forward pressure.

Opening the second half with penalties a piece from Cruden and midfield Christian Lealiifano, the Chiefs grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck thanks to the Brumbies own yellow card in destructive wing Henry Speight.

First halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow sniped across the line before Nanai-Williams scored after some sweeping attacking play, managing to atone for his earlier misdemeanour.

Drawing level at 25-25 the Chiefs reprieve was short lived with Brumbies flanker Jarrad Butler latching on to a close range maul, setting up a tense final 15 minutes with a 32-25 lead.

But a pair of missed penalties from Lealiifano kept the Chiefs in striking distance of progressing towards a third successive championship and a vocal Brumbies crowd in edge.

A scintillating 60m break from wing James Lowe eventually lead to replacement Gareth Anscombe scoring in the corner, keeping himself in the field of play with the attention of two Brumbies players.

Cruden's conversion attempt swung wide leaving the margin 32-30 and the side's hopes dashed after being a side renowned at closing out those close matches in previous seasons.

Chiefs 30: Bundee Aki, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tim Nanai-Williams, Gareth Anscombe try; Aaron Cruden 2 pen, 2 con

Brumbies 32: Nic White, Robbie Coleman, Jesse Mogg, Jarrad Butler tries; Christian Lealiifano 2 con, 3 pen

Halftime: 22-10