Centre Alex Nankivell and winger Etene Nanai-Seturo have scored two tries each to lead the Chiefs to a 45-12 Super Rugby Pacific win over Moana Pasifika in Hamilton.
Nankivell scored a try either side of half-time in Saturday’s match to help set up the win, while Nanai-Seturo dotted down in the 14th and 56th minutes.
Captain Luke Jacobson scored the Chiefs’ first try and Rivez Reihana their last, with the six-tries-to-two romp improving the team’s record to 5-3.
Chiefs five-eighth Bryn Gatland produced a flawless kicking display with seven goals from seven attempts.
Moana Pasifika (1-7) have now played six games in three weeks as they make up for matches postponed early in the season due to COVID-19.
That created a massive test of their depth in their debut Super Rugby season, and their only win during that period was an upset victory over the Hurricanes on March 25.
“We knew Moana were going to come out firing. They’re a very physical team,” Jacobson said.
“They’ve won a lot of respect in this tournament.
“They’ve had a hard run, they came out week in and week out — or less than week in and week out — and they put a good performance out.”
Jacobson scored the opening try in the 11th minute from a lineout error by Moana Pasifika. He peeled from the subsequent scrum and dived over.
Nanai-Seturo’s first came in the 14th minute, again from a lineout, when Gatland was left in space and was able to work the ball to his flank.
Anzelo Tuitavuki drove through Shaun Stevenson’s tackle for Moana Pasifika’s first try in the 19th minute but Nankivell’s first try allowed the Chiefs to go to halftime with a 24-5 lead.
A try by Solomone Kata four minutes after half-time brought Moana Pasifika back into the match at 24-12, but Nankivell’s second re-established the Chiefs’ advantage.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
The problem is with the Kiwi teams, who like to score A LOT, a small difference can mean a lot of points. So scores can blow out without too much of a difference in quality of the teams. Say they were to play the Force, they are not a lethal attacking team but have a good solid defence, so MP could still lose but it likely wouldn’t be a blowout.
WEST
Roar Guru
Hopefully Weber isn’t to bad.. They can’t afford to lose many more! Jacobson’s had a great game! Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord put in big shifts. Bryn Gatland was awesome at first five, Alex Nankivell is a Chiefs weapon! scoring two nice tries. But man, how dangerous was Etene Nanai-Seturo!! Threatening with each touch of the ball, also scoring a double. Nice bounce back by the Chiefs, they looked far more clinical at set piece time this week. How wicked was that try by Alex Nankivell! Made my day! :silly: :thumbup:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
It is extremely tough for MP only playing one game in the first month, and having to catch up those missed games with a smaller squad compared to the experienced sides.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I say it is the score lines that concern me. Didn't expect them to win games but they are getting hammered. But the disruption to their season is a fair point. They are chasing the season still.
Greysy
Roar Rookie
Nah, they're where I would expect them to be. Too little lead in time into the season with a full squad and horrendous luck with covid delays meaning that they've played two mid-week games and their season started later than everyone else. Have experience and some fine players but not the depth or at least depth of experienced players to be able to compete week in and out, particularly not with the other challenges. Still think they can beat the Rebels, Force and Drua from here (though could see them losing all three too).
Olly
Roar Rookie
Would you say the Moana Pasifika are underperforming? They have a bit of experience in the team.