Super Rugby defending champions the Chiefs condemned the winless Highlanders to a fourth defeat with a straightforward 19-7 win on Friday in Hamilton.
Both teams scored one try but fullback Gareth Anscombe kicked 14 points to reflect the Chiefs’ control of the match and lifted them to a fourth win from five matches.
They have cemented second place in the standings behind the Brumbies while the Highlanders remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
The result comes exactly one month after the competition-opener between the teams in Dunedin, which the Chiefs won 41-27.
They were just as convincing at Waikato Stadium, opening up a 10-0 lead inside 10 minutes after centre Tim Nanai-Williams pounced on turnover possession and raced 60m to score untouched.
However, the hosts failed to cross again, having scored a competition-leading 18 tries in their first four games.
Instead, Anscombe slotted four from seven shots at goal, punishing the ill-discipline of a Highlanders side who were outplayed at the breakdown and lacked the same fluency in attack.
The visitors scored their try in the 20th minute when All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith finished off a neat scrum blindside move.
The try was converted by five-eighth Colin Slade but he had a night to forget with the boot, landing just one from four shots.
Up 13-7 at halftime, two more Anscombe penalties stretched the scoreline before a scoreless final quarter.
Chiefs inside centre Andrew Horrell went closest to scoring another try but replays showed he grounded the ball centimetres short of the line.
Chiefs flanker Sam Cane and Nanai-Williams continued excellent seasons to date while Highlanders veteran lock Brad Thorn – captaining in place of the injured Andrew Hore – was tireless around the park.
atlas
Guest
fortunate they have Leonard to fill in at 9
Onor
Guest
yep. TKB was a bit slow getting the ball out in last years semi and final. Smith looked tired in this game, left the ball behind, but I think if you watch the first game with the highlanders when they were firing on attack, sometimes the forwards take the role of getting the ball out, to me it just seemed like a break down in communication and the highlanders tired themselves out in this game!! Smith for AB's before TKB anyday, when his passes stick, they stick and man they are accurate and when the highlanders have a roll on its a real pretty sight to see, the highlanders just aren't firing at the moment and with injuries it's not going to get much better in the coming weeks.
Hightackle
Guest
Im sure Kahui has played 12 before but I think Horrell is doing an outstanding job there. Id say TNW will move to the wing or bench. Even without SBW the Chiefs have ridiculous depth. TKB was very good last year but wasnt pollished and made a lot of judgement errors. Imo this year he is making sure that his job is done well (very well) first and picking his moments. This is something Genia and Carter do very well and something TKB is learning to do. C.Smith is another good example as is de Villiers. You must play the position first. You must make sure you tick all the boxes to the highest level before doing the extra things. This year he has learned to distribute and control first and try things at the right times. At least that is what I expect from test players and I suspect the ABs coaches want the same.
Felix
Guest
I think TKB was very influential in the Chiefs winning the comp last year,SBW & Messam were huge as well though but this year Kahui is fit & looking classy,has Kahui ever played 12 or can he,NN Williams & Kahui would be unstoppable with Masaga winging it.
Hightackle
Guest
The score was 19-7. The only try the Highlanders scored was when Messam was held back in defence. The Chiefs were the better team, the try you thought shouldnt have counted was reviewed. The try where the Highlanders clearly infringed wasnt reviewed and you say the Chiefs got lucky, maybe when god was handing out talent but not in last nights game.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
As a non kiwi, it's depressing to think the two best outside centres at the moment, ranger and NW, aren't even incumbent AB.
Hightackle
Guest
Ranger is the best centre so far imo.
Hightackle
Guest
Last year TKB was not playing the position and instead was trying too much. He often threw the rythem of his team off and made mistakes or the wrong decision. At the end of last year and the start of this one he has settled down and is playing outstanding rugby.
Hightackle
Guest
You need to have another look billy. The TMO had about 20 and couldnt see a knock on. Pffft you should be a TMO with brilliant speculation like that. He was tackled in the ruck it was knocked from his grasp by a Highlander, the secound "knock on" wasnt a knock on in any way, shape or form. How about the Highlanders holding defenders back as they score tries? You didnt seem to mention that. I would suggest you had an outcome you wanted.
Felix
Guest
Does any New Zealander know why A.Smith was selected ahead of T.K.Barlow last year because he was better than both 9 selected by NZ,or the all blacks have so much talent that sometimes it doesnt mater who they pick,they win anyway :-)
Ajax
Guest
What scares me is not how good the Chiefs are, but how good the Highlanders are.. bottom of the table?? I must be missing something, I thought it was a high class game between 2 good sides.. if the Highlanders are the worst side in the NZ conference we Aussies are in trouble.. ...the men in skirts look like a decent outfit in my eyes. Best thing about the S15 is a guy can watch 2 sides you dont support and just appreciate the skills on show.. enjoyed that game I have to say.
Team Taniwha
Guest
TKB out with a broken jaw for six weeks. Blow for the Chiefs as he has been playing very well!
Infamous
Guest
"They have cemented second place in the standings behind the Brumbies while the Highlanders remain rooted to the bottom of the table." Dosn't last nights win put the Chiefs first on the table? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
winston
Roar Rookie
Williams will move out to the wing or maybe even 12 to make room for Kahui and its great to see him back.The highlanders seem to be improving with every game but its going to be way too little way too late. The chiefs are looking good for another shot at the tittle.
Felix
Guest
Nainai Williams is so far the best 13,just shows with enough skill u dont need size,I hope that wakes up the old fashioned especially SA & how much they regard size,he also beat JDV 8/10,mind u JDV & Nonu is one of the biggest skilled centres going around
Kane
Guest
I think he has been outplayed by all the halfbacks he has come up against to date. Will be interesting to know what shags thinking
I distinctly remember at least twice, and both times the Higlanders had the momentum.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Really think Nanai-Williams is doing very well at centre these days. Its rare to see such an elusive 13 and i hope this will give ideas to coaches as he is definitely having an impact. Leila Masaga is the most under rated wing; would have played for every other selection if he hadnt been a kiwi. Thats these kind of players, NW and masag, we need in Sydney to bring supporters back. They play the rugby i want to watch.
Kane
Guest
How many times did Aaron Smith leave the ball unprotected at the back of the ruck? Did my bloody head in!
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
I never thought I would ever see a Kiwi side outplay the Waratahs in dumb thoughtless Rugby. How many times did the Highlanders lose the ball because not enough players thought it was their job to support the breakdown? Yes, it was played at speed but any player or team who wants to rev up the speed also has to execute. For getting well outside their comfort zone they paid a price in bombed tries and lost possession. The sight of the Woolly Mammoth in his 'off the rack' suit with a microphone says a lot. A Kiwi side falling into trap of losing gloriously or was it losing ugly? No doubt the Chiefs have tapped into that rich vein of fast, patient and accurate Rugby, they deserved to win. Welcome back Richard.