Moana Pasifika got off to the worst possible start and things did not improve much from there as the Chiefs romped to a 52-29 victory in their Super Round rugby clash in Melbourne.
Chiefs centre Rameka Poihipi broke a 22-year-old record to score the fastest try in Super Rugby history, crossing after just eight seconds at AAMI Park.
Poihipi intercepted the first pass after the kick-off, thrown infield by Moana Pasifika winger Anzelo Tuitavuki, and the Chiefs were up 7-0 before the clock had ticked over to two minutes.
Highlanders lock Vula Maimuri held the previous record of 12 seconds, scored against the Crusaders in Christchurch back in 2001.
The Chiefs proved their 31-10 round-one win over the reigning champion Crusaders was no fluke, running in six unanswered tries in the first half to set up the victory.
The spoils were shared across five players, with halfback Brad Weber grabbing a double.
Damian McKenzie was on fire in the opening half to lead the Chiefs to a big win over Moana Pasifika in Melbourne. Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Star five-eighth Damian McKenzie, who spent last year playing in Japan, crossed in the 37th minute while he also added four conversions en route to a 38-3 halftime lead.
To Moana Pasifika’s credit they did not shirk the hard work in the second half, and with former Brumbies and Wallabies playmaker Christian Leali’ifano running the attack they were rewarded with four tries for a more respectable scoreline.
While their missed tackle tally had proved costly, they reined that right in to limit the Chiefs to just additional two tries, both scored by fullback Shaun Stevenson.
The only concern for the Waikato-based Chiefs was their discipline, incurring 13 penalties while three players were yellow-carded.
Moana Pasifika are winless after two rounds, having fallen to Fijian Drua by two points in the opening match.
adam smith
Roar Rookie
Was lucky enough to have 10 tries scored down my end of the field, 5 of which were in my corner. Although, I was still at the bar when my young cousin Rameka (our Koro’s were brothers) scored his try. Also, had the pleasure of meeting Nick McArdle (seemed very genuine), Andrew Merhtens (genuinely funny), Morgan Turinui (about as down to earth as they come) & lastly but definitely not least…Mr Eddie Jones himself. Who was walking around the stadium between games mingling with the public. Made my three girls feel like the were the only people in the stadium.
FrancisF
Roar Pro
Moana Pasifika showed poor aggression, no killer instincts and played the game like a kind gentlemen. You get slaughtered on the paddock with that kind of softy attitude. Wondering what is holding them back. Even the women-rugby teams showed more aggression than these Moana Pasifika players.
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
A particularly ugly second half from the Chiefs. It is a problem for the top teams keeping all team members concentrating and working to maintain the same intensity when a long way ahead on the scoreboard. Good on Moana Pacifica for fronting on the second half. Showed guts and stiffened up their defence and ruck work.