The Chiefs solidified their dominance in Super Rugby Pacific by defeating the Highlanders 41-24, securing first place on the ladder. Despite a concerning injury to Quinn Tupaea in the first half, the Chiefs displayed resilience and skill, scoring three tries after halftime to clinch a bonus point win. Coach Clayton McMillan’s team has now positioned itself as strong contenders for their first title since 2013.
All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i was a standout performer, scoring three tries, including the final one of the match. A notable moment came when Tupaea, in-form prior to his injury, left the field after a tackle, but he was seen recovering in good spirits at halftime.
The Chiefs wasted no time, racing to a 19-point lead within 15 minutes, demonstrating error-free rugby. Vaa’i capitalised on the Highlanders’ struggles, scoring early and showcasing his athleticism throughout the game. However, after Tupaea’s exit, the Chiefs’ performance dipped slightly, leading to a Highlanders try from Ethan de Groot and a yellow card for prop Reuben O’Neill.
Despite the Highlanders narrowing the gap to just five points before halftime, the Chiefs responded effectively after the break. Halfback Xavier Roe initiated another try, maintaining the Chiefs’ momentum. The team showed depth in their squad, with strong contributions from the bench and crucial moments won at the breakdown.
While the Highlanders posed some challenges, highlighted by Timoci Tavatavanawai’s powerful try just before halftime, the Chiefs defended their lead effectively, denying a late charge from the Highlanders. Notably, replacement Cortez Ratima made a significant tackle to thwart a try just minutes before the end.
With this victory, the Chiefs have not only cemented their status at the top of the table but also earned the advantage of playing future matches at their home ground. Their performance indicates they are formidable foes to beat as the competition progresses.
Final score at Forsyth Barr Stadium: Chiefs 41 (with tries from Samipeni Finau and multiple tries from Tupou Vaa’i) against the Highlanders 24 (tries from Ethan de Groot and Timoci Tavatavanawai). The match ended with the teams going into halftime at 19-14 in favour of the Chiefs.