Chiefs outmuscle Hurricanes in Hamilton slogfest

Alex Nankivell of the Chiefs.
Photo: Photosport

The Chiefs rediscovered their winning form with a grinding 23-12 win over the Hurricanes on Saturday to cement their place at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings.

All Blacks lock Tupo Vaa’i scored two of the Chiefs’ three tries in miserable conditions in Hamilton to bounce back from last week’s shock 25-22 loss to the Reds – their first defeat of the season.

Up 10-0 at halftime, the home side looked comfortably placed when Vaa’i bagged his second try soon afterwards as the pouring rain grew in intensity.

However, tries to Hurricanes fullback Josh Moorby and No.8 Brayden within the space of 10 minutes closed the gap to eight points entering the final 15 minutes.

However, fly-half Damian McKenzie landed two penalties to seal his team’s 11th win from 12 games and lift his own season tally to a competition-high (129) points.

McKenzie’s kicking in general play was also influential as a Chiefs side at close to full strength largely controlled proceedings against the weakened Hurricanes.

The visoitors chose to omit a number of players under the All Blacks’ resting protocols – including captain Ardie Savea and star back Jordie Barrett.

The Hurricanes remain fifth after losing three of their last five games and face a challenge to push for a top-four home quarter-final, with their two remaining regular season fixtures both challenging affairs against the Blues and Crusaders.

The Chiefs’ play two games in Australia before the play-offs, including a key match against title rivals the ACT Brumbies in Canberra next week.

– RNZ