Chiefs vs Rebels highlights: Chiefs go top after thumping Rebels

Match result:

The Chiefs have gone to the top of the Super Rugby standards and likely ended the Rebel’s chances of an inaugural finals campaign with a 21-point win at Waikato Stadium on Saturday.

REPORT: REBELS FINALS HOPES IN RUIN

Final score
Chiefs 36
Rebels 15

Match preview:

Saturday night sees the Chiefs host the Rebels, playing at Waikato Stadium. Join The Roar from 5:35pm (AEST) for all the live scores and commentary on the action.

The last time these teams met, the Rebels edged out the Chiefs by a point in Melbourne. The previous year, the Chiefs won their home match by a mere six points.

Today, the Chiefs want to earn the tournament lead by winning with a bonus point. To do so, they need to deliver a much better performance than their last match up. They will also need to deliver more than their loss to the Highlanders last week.

The Rebels have a 50 per cent win record this season. Last week, they were eight points shy of the Brumbies in the sandy Melbourne pitch. While their scrum wobbled against the Canberrans, their lineout held up well. They will need to repeat this against players like All Black Brodie Rettalick for a chance to win.

The Melbournites have their own All Black, the in-form multi-skilled Adam Thomson. He is joined by four other Rebels who also have excellent back rower type skills: Lopeti Timani, Colby Fainga’a and Wallabies Sean McMahon and James ‘Chibba’ Hanson.

Sean McMahon exemplifies the great Rebel forward. But he has to keep up with flanker/winger Sam Cane. They have done battle before in Test matches, so this match up will be a tasty dish.

Another player to watch is Damien McKenzie, who is yet to obtain an All Black cap. His form has been great. But a few may say his recent performance has been somewhat predictable. His carries resulted in besting 49 defenders, 11 ahead of teammate Charlie Ngatai and the Reds’ Hendrik Tui. He will aim to use this earn his black uniform.

Another attacking youngster who impressed is Rebels Reece Hodge, the Manly marvel. He is four months younger than McKenzie. He has also demonstrated an array of skills in just about every backline position. This is the second game in a row as an inside centre, and will try to bring a bit of width and speed to the Rebels game.

The Chiefs backline, directed by All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden, are fast, accurate and highly coordinated. It is almost impossible to keep the Chiefs from scoring at least 25 points. Until last week, their lowest score this season is 24.

However unlikely, the Rebels need to score around 30 points to win. While the result may be cast in stone somewhat, both teams have skilled players who play different types of rugby that is worth a close watch. So, enjoy!

Join The Roar from 5:35pm (AEST) for all the live scores and commentary on the action.