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Cape Town - Some are calling Dillyn Leyds' miracle pass to SP Marais at Newlands on Saturday a 'fluke', but if Aaron Cruden says it took skill, then it took skill.
The Chiefs flyhalf spoke after his side's 34-26 loss to the Stormers - a match that will be remembered for its high tempo and fearless running, including two quite special tries.
One of those took place 10 minutes into the second half when Leyds threw a behind-the-back pass to the supporting Marais who finished off a quite spectacular move.
Cruden put the moment into perspective.
"You can't defend against it," he said.
"Sometimes you have to have a bit of luck on your side, but while some might say that was lucky it was just great skill from Dillyn.
"I was chasing back and I saw him throw it out the back and hit his fullback on the chest. I just thought 'well, sometimes you have those moments on a rugby field ... even when you're playing.'
"I think the Stormers gained a bit of confidence at the end of the first half and that flowed into the second half and allowed them to play a bit of risk free football."
Cruden said while the result hurt at the time, it was the type of match that he would look back on fondly in the days to come.
"It was certainly high tempo and I think that's what both teams wanted," he said.
"Those are the sorts of games you want to be a part of. Unfortunately there has to be a loser, and unfortunately that was us tonight."
The Chiefs stay in South Africa where they take on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 15:05.
