The Chiefs refused to blame travel for an error-riddled attacking display, with the two-time champions unable to conjure the brilliant finishing that's been a trademark of their season.
Three penalties to fullback Damian McKenzie provided their only points, with co-captain Aaron Cruden lamenting several botched try-scoring chances.
"The Hurricanes were just a little bit sharper than us. We dropped balls that we've been catching all year and that released the pressure valve," Cruden said.
"We just didn't front in enough areas. For such a young group, we'll be better for this experience."
Coach Dave Rennie pulled no punches, saying his side simply weren't good enough on the night.
"We didn't deal with their line speed, they forced us back a lot, we created some opportunities didn't we, but we weren't clinical enough," Rennie said.
Rennie went on to joke his side "left their hands in Africa" after their thumping quarter-final win over the Stormers.
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