Flyhalf Damian McKenzie and fullback Shaun Stevenson led the Chiefs counter-attacking game as the Hamilton-based team beat the Dunedin-based Highlanders 52-28 to extend their winning start to the season in Super Rugby Pacific to 10 matches.
McKenzie or Stevenson had a designing hand in five of the six tries scored by the Chiefs in their bonus-point win.
Another came from a 90-metre intercept by centre Daniel Rona, who scored two tries in his second Super Rugby match.
Shaun Stevenson celebrates after touching down against the Highlanders in the first half at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on May 05, 2023, in Dunedin. Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
McKenzie also kicked seven conversions and a penalty for 17 point in a flawless performance which saw him surpass 1000 points in Super Rugby.
The magnitude of the Chiefs’ win belied the fact they barely touched the ball in the first 20 minutes.
The Highlanders had 85 per cent of possession in that period and the few fragments the Chiefs got their hands on they kicked away and kicked badly, allowing the home team to score the first try through prop Ethan de Groot.
The Chiefs then scored four tries before halftime, including possibly the best of the season, and conceded another to lead 28-14 at the break.
“We had to work very, very hard for it,” Chiefs captain Brad Weber said.
“Most of our tries came from counterattack.
“I wouldn’t say we have free licence (to counterattack).
“We’ve certainly got a plan with our counterattack but also with the back three we’ve got and when Damian gets back there you want them to express themselves when the situation allows it and we certainly encourage them to do that.”
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Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Any one from Sivivatu, Roko, Naholo - wings who impressed recently DM
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
An enjoyable match! The Chiefs showing that Harlem Globetrotters style which is the hallmark of sublime rugby and which we became used to seeing from the All Blacks. Super Rugby being next tier down of course, but this too was very much a game of pressure, unforgiving inches and vital quarter-seconds - a tackle slipped, a touch slightly too late, or slightly wrong. Fast intense high-calibre rugby. Nice to see the Highlanders back towards full strength and their first-five operating well. The Waratahs and Force will be well-pleased that they did not face last night's squad. The Chiefs look a shoo-in for the grand final and have one or two defensive work-ons to fix and with plenty of time to do so.
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
I felt for the Highlanders. So much excellent endeavour from their pack. Let down by small errors that were ruthlessly punished by the Chiefs. Story of their season so far I guess. I do like the form of Smith, Frizzell and especially de Groot in amongst all that though.
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
Agree on Narawa’s workrate. Coupled with his accuracy and low error rate. He looks very focussed whenever the camera zooms in on his face as well. A quiet achiever.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
Thought it was a great game to watch. I know we all like close games etc , but by geez the skill level of the Chiefs is off the charts sometimes, and they seem to have complete faith in each other. I not sure when I last watched a wing that impresses me more than Narawa, and a lot of that is about his workrate, he is popping up everywhere.
CUW
Roar Rookie
the way its going chiefs can play blindfolded n still win it :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: seems all the decisions and luck is going their way - as was last week. they shud collect some cash and buy a few lotteries - surely will win them all at this rate :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly:
WEST
Roar Guru
Yep.. that sums it up nicely :thumbup:
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
It was an entertaining game to watch. Chiefs won it because they have McKenzie and the Highlanders made too many mistakes.