The Chiefs have given the ACT Brumbies a harsh reality check with a thumping 46-12 victory in rugby's Super Round clash in Melbourne.
Widely-rated as Australia's best hope, the Brumbies were outplayed across the park by the Chiefs, who scored six tries in a statement win at AAMI Park on Sunday.
Losing last year's final to the Crusaders after only dropping one game through the season, the Chiefs look intent on making amends in an unbeaten start to the year.
Electric winger Corey Toole crossed twice for the Brumbies to continue his red-hot start to the season.
His first try in the 11th minute was particularly impressive, with Toole chipping ahead and weaving through heavy traffic as he regathered to touch down.
But it was an otherwise one-sided affair in the first half, with the New Zealand side surging ahead for a 25-7 lead with the spoils shared between halfback Xavier Roe, winger Etene Nanai-Seturo and Damien McKenzie.
All Blacks playmaker McKenzie caused constant headaches for the Brumbies while the Canberra men were out-muscled at the breakdown and the set-piece.
The second half delivered much of the same despite Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham ringing the changes as he emptied his bench.
Toole showed his speed and acceleration to score in the corner but it was quickly answered by replacement Chiefs halfback Cortez Ratima, who crossed twice in six minutes.
In the only sour note for the Chiefs, Jared Proffit was given a red card late in the match for an ugly head clash which left Brumbies lock Caderyn Neville in the blood-bin.