The Queensland Reds suffered their first trial loss in three years, falling 20-8 to the Super Rugby champion Chiefs.
All Blacks five-eighth Aaron Cruden showed he'd lost none of his zip from 2012 and combined brilliantly with his backline while the home side were let down by poor handling under pressure.
The Reds have lost only one pre-season game under Ewen McKenzie back in 2010 against the Western Force in Perth and they were well in the game at 10-8 down with 10 minutes left.
But an Albert Anae mid-way fumble, one of many running into the wind, was the spark for a
counter-attacking raid finished by Augustine Pulu.
Winger Aseli Tikoirotuma then sealed the result in the dying minutes.
There was no shortage of feeling between the 2011 and 2012 champions, highlighted by a nasty scuffle on the ground between the team's littlest men Ben Lucas and Aaron Cruden.
