Chiefs’ midfielder Alex Nankivell isn’t concerned about the Chiefs surprising loss to the Queensland Reds over the weekend.
The Chiefs lost their first game of the season as they fell two points short of the Reds, ending their 10-game unbeaten streak.
“Courtesy to the Reds, I think it was 27 phases they defended, and it was pretty phenomenal, so credit to them,” Nankivell told SENZ Breakfast.
“We probably could’ve been more aware of the situation around the referee especially in that last bit, we had a few penalty advantages and we kind of let them run out.
“We didn’t apply pressure at the right end of the field.”
Despite the loss, the Chiefs remain on top of the competition ladder with three weeks before the quarter finals begin.
The team from Hamilton has already booked their spot in the quarter finals with an eye on winning their first Super Rugby title since 2013 and aren’t concerned that this loss impacts their ability to do so.
“It’s probably good timing for a bit of a grounding moment,” Nankivell added.
“If we had of won that you might not take the same lessons going forward and especially at this time, we’ve only got three game left.
“The coaches made it pretty clear not to call anyone out, it was about the boys getting better and ultimately get a win this week and continue our process towards our goal at the end of the year.”
The Chiefs aim to get back on the winners list this Saturday as they host the third placed Hurricanes in what is expected to be the match of the weekend.
The last time these two outfits faced each other it was a thrilling match.
The Chiefs won by 16 points in a great comeback win after trailing by nine points at the break and they’re expecting a similar challenge this week.
“Obviously it’s going to be challenging against the ‘Canes this week, so we need to be a bit better than we were against the Reds,” Nankivell said.
Nankivell will line up against the All Blacks’ Jordy Barrett on Saturday and is very much looking forward to the test.
“It’s always good to challenge yourself against the best in the comp and the world some would say,” Nakivell stated.
“I know Jordy pretty well, I went to university with him for a semester and he’s a good man.
“It’ll be an awesome test.”
The Chiefs host the Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon at 5:05pm NZST.