The Queensland Reds' dreams of a finals upset were over early in the opening quarter-final after the Chiefs ran away with the game in Hamilton.
The hosts' 31-0 lead at half-time was too much for the Reds to recover from as the Chiefs go into the semi-final with major confidence.
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So what did we learn?
The Chiefs were intent on avoiding another close game with the Reds as they produced one of the halves of the season.
Any half-chance was pounced upon and by the time the Reds knew it, they were down multiple tries against 2022's runners-up.
The Chiefs’ rush defence left the Reds shellshocked with little answer to their firepower as they headed back into the shades.
This was predicted to be the closest of the four quarter-finals yet it was one-way traffic in the first as the hosts recovered perfectly after two straight defeats.
The Reds’ struggles can be traced back to their inability to control their breakdown throughout the game.
From their first attacking opportunity, they were dominated, instantly giving away a penalty before being driven off the ball to set up their opening try of the game.
As the game developed, it felt like every time they took on the line their ball was under threat from a Chiefs pilferer, conceding 13 turnovers and countless rushed attacking breakdowns.
It left them struggling and chasing the game as the Chiefs ran away with the win early on.
Tom Lynagh and the young Reds core will learn plenty from this finals experience.
The young flyhalf was bashed around and targeted by the Chiefs but moments such as his excellent clearing kicking in the second minute and his charge down on Damian McKenzie showcase the potential.
They’ll value the opportunity to face Wales and Tongas later next month but they got a lesson on starting fast in big games.
Emoni Narawa continues to find ways to shine as he presses his case to add to his lone All Black cap.
Narawa is a world-class finisher and his try in the 11th minute proved this, powering through two defenders to score.
However, he has the special ability to create something out of nothing and five minutes later he delivered, somehow staying in the field of play to throw a remarkable offload to Samisoni Taukei’aho to continue the onslaught.
The competition for spots in the All Blacks back three is fierce yet Narawa is almost becoming undeniable.
Tate McDermott did everything he could to get the Reds back into the contest.
The scrum-half plays well above his weight and constantly chased down the Chiefs as they sliced their defence apart.
His attacking instincts were on full display with two quick tries after the half to provide a spark of hope.
Lawson Creighton was also strong off the bench whilst the likes of John Bryant and Liam Wright were solid.
