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Whilst there is a chance many Rugby purists will look back on the Lions-Chiefs match as arguably the worst defensive performance from either team in Super 14 history, one can’t deny the enjoyment of watching two sides finally backing themselves to score tries and give the fans value for money.
The Waikato Chiefs eventually ran out winners 72-65 in the highest scoring game Super Rugby has ever witnessed.
Only Stephen Donald’s perfect night with the boot proved the difference in a match which saw both the Chiefs and the Lions score nine tries each in a scintillating display of attacking Rugby.
Although Lions and Chiefs fans must have had their hearts in their mouths for the majority of the contest, neutral supporters really should have had a blast watching the two teams trade blows on a constant basis.
After a solid two try opening from the Chiefs, the Lions responded swiftly with three consecutive five pointers to really set the offensive tone of the match.
Despite attaining the lead, the Lions were made to look pedestrian as the Chiefs scored six unanswered tries to build up a commanding 65-25 lead.
Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu’s try in the 60th minute was the best five pointer on the night, made possible by the Chiefs blend of cohesive decoy running, support play and passing.
To the Lions credit however, the South African team answered back in devastating fashion, scoring four unanswered tries of their own to eventually fall short by just seven points.
Chiefs comeback centre Richard Kahui and Lions player Wandile Mjekevu each finished up with hat-tricks next to their name.
While the avalanche of points conceded is a cause for concern for both sides, there is little doubting the Chiefs and Lions have played their part in the Super 14’s entertaining start to the season.
Back in Australia, the Queensland Reds played some terrific running Rugby to beat the Canterbury Crusaders for the first time since 1999.
The four tries to two victory was a reflection of the Reds eagerness to run the ball and throw caution to the wind against a Crusaders team that has had the wood on the Queenslanders for the past eleven years.
The sparkling performance from Reds half Quade Cooper ensured the home side’s miserable run against the New Zealand powerhouse came to an end in emphatic fashion.
Cooper scored two tries, kicked five penalty goals and two conversions to finish up with a record breaking haul of 31 points.
The 21 year old’s first try of the night was testament to the Reds clinical exchange of passing in the middle of the park, with Morgan Turinui, Peter Hynes and Will Genia all playing vital roles.
Whilst both the Crusaders and Lions will be feeling worse for wear after their performances, the opening two rounds of the Super 14 suggests Rugby is the real winner.
The avalanche of tries scored thus far in the competition is a great step ahead in the code’s bid to win not only win back fans, but gain new ones.
Judging from the opening two weeks, it seems Rugby is slowly reaffirming its status as the game played in heaven.