Australian rugby will turn its attention to taking down Ireland after another Super Rugby Pacific campaign ended prematurely in New Zealand, with incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss unable to lift the hex.
The record of Australian teams losing in playoffs across the Tasman stretched into a 22nd year, with Queensland joining the Brumbies in making a quarter-final exit on Saturday night.
The Reds were well in their clash against the Chiefs but two second half tries to superstar Damien McKenzie killed off their hopes.
