The Block
You win games by scoring tries, but these days not letting the opposition score is just as important.
The Chiefs have a strong and tight defence. They do not miss many tackles and concede very few tries from set pieces. Also, they have a great scrambling defence. When their defence line gets broken, they are fantastic at getting back and saving the situation.
Master Chef
He may be not much bigger than a jockey but Aaron Cruden has had a mighty impact. Cruden has been an ever-present for the Chiefs this year, and although a niggly groin meant he did not goal- kick much until the latter part of the season, he has been to the fore all year.
He has been in better form this season than Dan Carter and has the ability to find a way through the meanest of any defence. Quicker than he looks, too.
Opportunity Knocks
The Highlanders were top drawer at creating chances. Unfortunately, when it came to converting them, they were in the bargain bin.
The Chiefs are not like that. When they get into the opposition end of the field they usually come away with points.
The likes of Cruden, Bundee Aki and wingers Lelia Masaga and Asaeli Tikoirotuma know how to finish off chances. They have scored the most points and scored the most tries of any team despite averaging just under five minutes per game less possession than the Highlanders.
Fear Factor
For all the fancy boys out the back and the hard-working loose forwards the Chiefs possess, the locking combination of Craig Clarke and Brodie Retallick is one of the key reasons the side is in the hunt for a trophy and not putting the feet up.
Retallick is an athletic, aggressive young lock who does not back down to anyone. He has some real ball skills and a big motor. Clarke would have been an All Black this year if he had not indicated he was heading overseas. He does the simple things well and makes some crucial takes at lineout time.
The X Factor
It is a tired cliche but, like any cliche, it has some degree of truth to it. A mixture of youth and experience is often critical to success.
The Chiefs have plenty of youngsters and have then managed to keep a core of experience with the likes of Clark, Liam Messam and Mahonri Schwalger. They have enough wise old heads to mix with the exuberance of youth to get the Chiefs over the line in some tight games.
Location, Location, Location
A draw is a draw. You make of it what you will. But the Chiefs had a good one. And they have made the most of it.
They did not play the Brumbies at all. Nor did they face the Bulls. They played the underperforming Highlanders twice in the first five weeks. And in one of those games, they had a 16th man on the field.
An early trip to South Africa to build up morale also helped.
No team won a title because of a draw but getting a good one gives a helping hand.
