Here are all the talking points from the Brumbies' first win against the Chiefs since 2014, emphatically smashing the perception Australian teams can't beat New Zealand sides.

LEALIIFANO'S BEST GAME IN THREE YEARS

Christian Lealiifano is back to his best. The speed, the sleight of hand, the confidence. It was all there in a sublime performance against the Chiefs.

The inspirational skipper overcame so much to get to that moment and while he's been good since making a rugby comeback in 2017, he hasn't had the space to show his skills until now.

Lealiifano toyed with the Chiefs defenders in his best performance since being diagnosed with leukaemia and going into remission.

All the talk last week was about Quade Cooper as Australia's playmaker saviour. But Wallabies coach Michael Cheika should add Lealiifano to his list because he was by far the Brumbies' best in a dominant performance.

It's hard to remember a better performance from a Brumbies flyhalf in the past decade. That's how good he was.

MONEY PENI IS BACK

Chance Peni waited nine months for his moment to shine, and he got to celebrate twice when he eventually made his Brumbies comeback.

Peni scored a double in his first Super Rugby game since May last year, showing the try-scoring ability that saw him rocket on to the Wallabies radar after his debut season.

His first year with the Brumbies was ruined by back to back suspensions, which kept him out of action for a frustrating 11 weeks.

The Brumbies have plenty of good wingers this year and it was looking like Peni would have to wait a while for a recall. But injuries to Henry Speight, Toni Pulu and Lausii Taliauli opened the door and he slammed it shut with a brace.

HOW GOOD? AS GOOD AS 2004

The Brumbies lit-up Canberra Stadium on Saturday night with some brilliant attacking play and traditional forward grit.

But the best part of their first win against the Waikato Chiefs in five years? Easy - a 2004 Super Rugby championship-winning omen.

The Brumbies scored 33 points in the first 40 minutes. It was their best first-half haul in 15 years. The last time they scored 33 points in a first half? The 2004 grand final triumph.

Wouldn't the Brumbies like to have a year like that again. The win was the second biggest margin by an Australian team against the Chiefs in Super Rugby history.

BONGO ICES BIRTHDAY CAKE

Brumbies hooker Josh Mann-Rea got a perfect birthday present when he crossed the line with time running out to put the icing on the victory cake.

Mann-Rea, affectionately known as Bongo, turned 38 earlier in the week, making him the equal oldest player in Australian Super Rugby history.

He joins George Smith and Radike Samo as 38-year-olds on an Australian roster and the big man shows no signs of slowing down.

Mann-Rea has moved into a bench role this year after the rise of Folau Faingaa, but he's loving his new role and he could become the first to play until he's 40.

A WEEK IS A LONG TIME

The Brumbies were battered, beaten and dejected after round one. Their backs failed to score a try against the Melbourne Rebels and they lost the season-opener at home.

The clash against the Chiefs couldn't have been more different. Confident, attacking, plenty of flair and the style of rugby Canberra fans have been craving.

The 54 points they scored was the highest tally by an Australian team against any New Zealand opponent since 2003. The first half was their best since 2004. It was the first time the Brumbies had beaten the Chiefs since 2016.

The challenge now is breaking another record to beat Wellington Hurricanes in New Zealand. If they do that, it will be their first win across the ditch since 2014.

THE KEY MOMENT

You could take your pick of the tries last night and some of them were brilliant attacking play. But there was a moment that went relatively unnoticed in the second half.

The Brumbies had streaked away to a 33-10 lead at half-time, but knew the Chiefs would come out swinging after the break. They did just that and peppered the Brumbies' line.

Andy Muirhead attempted to run it from just outside his own line and was stripped of possession by Etene Nanai-Seturo, who looked certain to score.

Tom Banks came from nowhere to wrap up him up inches from the line. The Brumbies would have led 33-17 even if he had scored, but it would have given the Chiefs valuable momentum.

AT A GLANCE

ACT BRUMBIES 54 (Chance Peni 2, Tevita Kuridrani 2, Tom Banks, Lachlan McCaffrey, Folau Faingaa, Josh Mann-Rea tries; Christian Lealiifano 5, Wharenui Hawera 2 conversions) bt WAIKATO CHIEFS 17 (Ataata Moeakiola, Samisoni Taukeiaho tries; Damian McKenzie 2 conversions, penalty) at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night. Referee: Angus Gardner. Crowd: 8583.