The Chiefs’ combination of adventurous spirit in the wet and stingy defence carried them to a bonus-point 29-14 Super Rugby victory over the Blues in Hamilton on Friday night.
All of the Chiefs’ points came in the first half as they made light of the rain that swept over Waikato Stadium to run in four tries.
With hardworking second-rower Craig Clarke leading the way, the home side then held out a Blues comeback until the visitors managed to grab a late consolation five-pointer.
Despite having several players unavailable with injury, the Chiefs looked a different side from the one that went down to the Highlanders last week.
They dominated the breakdown to give their backs the opportunity to chance their arm during a decisive opening spell.
Fullback Robbie Robinson was one of beneficiaries as he produced three slicing runs that all lead to tries.
A drive by the forwards set up prop Sona Taumalolo for the Chiefs’ first score after four minutes, while Robinson’s second burst in the 22nd minute was finished off by Asaeli Tikoirotuma for the winger’s debut Super Rugby try.
An elusive run by winger Tim Nanai-Williams then resulted in a try for halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow, who was a livewire presence throughout his time on the park, before Tim Nanai-Williams crossed courtesy of another Robinson break.
The Blues’ only replies in the first half were two penalties from five-eighth Michael Hobbs as they went into halftime 29-6 behind.
Another Hobbs penalty closed the gap, but the Blues couldn’t break through the Chiefs’ defence until three minutes from the end, when substitute winger Sherwin Stowers went over.
For the Blues, defeat means they are winless after two rounds and with a tough trip to South Africa next up to face the Bulls and the Stormers.
The Chiefs travel to Napier next weekend to meet the Crusaders.
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