The Chiefs’ combination of adventurous spirit in the wet and stingy defence carried them to a bonus-point 29-14 Super Rugby victory over the Blues in Hamilton on Friday night.
All of the Chiefs’ points came in the first half as they made light of the rain that swept over Waikato Stadium to run in four tries.
With hardworking second-rower Craig Clarke leading the way, the home side then held out a Blues comeback until the visitors managed to grab a late consolation five-pointer.
Despite having several players unavailable with injury, the Chiefs looked a different side from the one that went down to the Highlanders last week.
They dominated the breakdown to give their backs the opportunity to chance their arm during a decisive opening spell.
Fullback Robbie Robinson was one of beneficiaries as he produced three slicing runs that all lead to tries.
A drive by the forwards set up prop Sona Taumalolo for the Chiefs’ first score after four minutes, while Robinson’s second burst in the 22nd minute was finished off by Asaeli Tikoirotuma for the winger’s debut Super Rugby try.
An elusive run by winger Tim Nanai-Williams then resulted in a try for halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow, who was a livewire presence throughout his time on the park, before Tim Nanai-Williams crossed courtesy of another Robinson break.
The Blues’ only replies in the first half were two penalties from five-eighth Michael Hobbs as they went into halftime 29-6 behind.
Another Hobbs penalty closed the gap, but the Blues couldn’t break through the Chiefs’ defence until three minutes from the end, when substitute winger Sherwin Stowers went over.
For the Blues, defeat means they are winless after two rounds and with a tough trip to South Africa next up to face the Bulls and the Stormers.
The Chiefs travel to Napier next weekend to meet the Crusaders.
Rugbug
Guest
Your right Onor the NZ conference has been a cracker so far and its pretty clear for all to see that once again it is going to be the conference to watch. Unfortunately if current trends continue due to the competitiveness it slims the chances of a NZ team taking top spot on the overall table.
Rugbug
Guest
I'm sorry Mace after such poor performancers and snubbery from the Hurricanes towards their partner unions outside of Wellington it is very hard to support them, whilst every game they play I do wish them well I also find it hard to feel any passion for the team like I do my province Taranaki, with that being said should Taranaki get the go ahead for a franchise I will well and truly be behind the team. As it stands I have now been living in Auckland for 10 years and a a couple of years across the ditch in Melbourne. I have spent more time in the Blues franchise zone than I have in Hurricanes territory since the inception of SR, Auckland is my home and the place I choose to live and it is only right that I support the Blues although after the last two matches I'm swinging back to the Canes, this year is the first year I have ever officially declared my support for the Blues I have always backed the Canes previously. In saying that although I live in Auckland I can not and will not ever support an Auckland provincial team in any sport, I always remain true to my Taranaki roots there. So thank god the Breakers, Warriors are NZ teams not Auckland teams lol
kkovak
Guest
Sorry the chiefs were fanatstic , it was really great to wacth them play and I hope they go all the way
kkovak
Guest
The blues will be last in the NZ conference this year . Same rubiish as last year you really need to get a good coach . start with a good half back
kovana
Guest
Crowd was slightly higher than last weeks crowd. Around 12112. Also.. Its a full house at Highlanders ground against the Crusaders!
ohtani's jacket
Guest
It was a sweet performance by the Chiefs but the Blues were awful. Toeava and Williams had shockers. It's gonna be a long season for this outfit.
Bob
Guest
Looks like Nonu nad Weepu have imported their Hurricanes' culture to the Blues.
Onor
Guest
the nz conference has been brilliant!!! especially the chiefs and the highlanders. I was impressed with the rebels.. they are trying hard to play running rugby.. but the skill isn't just there yet.. but still, they had a go and It was the first aussie conference game that had a bit of excitement. Good on the rebels.
johnny-boy
Guest
Brett McKay - tipping contrarian :)
mace 22
Guest
As a taranaki boy yoyr allegance shouldn't be any where but with the hurricanes. All is forgiven we'll welcome you back. Haven't the new zealand conference games been exciting, open running rugby, hope it continues. The all blacks are looking good this year if this is the caliber of players they have to chose from.
Rugbug
Guest
I'm a Blues fan originally from Hurricanes territory lets just get that out there however they were well and truly thumped last night and I was excited by the Chiefs especially in the first 40, they were playing running rugby in the pouring rain it was electric and very entertaining the Blues were kak no doubt about it and should be very ashamed. they are off to SA now and from what I have seen there really isn't too much to be confident about. As a Taranaki boy I think I may have to switch my allegiance back to the Hurricanes if the current trend keeps its momentum :-)