The Chiefs had every reason to make hard work of this Super Rugby Pacific catchup encounter at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday, but that’s just not these guys’ style in 2022.
Clayton McMillan’s men shook off a problematic buildup, which saw them down as many as 18 players from their extended squad, to cruise to a 59-12 bonus-point victory over competition newcomers Moana Pasifika in a match they took control of with important strikes either side of the halftime break.
In the end the Chiefs ran in nine tries to two, and dominated the match with their ruck speed, their excellent hole running, their forward superiority and ability to turn chances into points. Their third victory, from four matches, takes them to 19 points for the campaign, and has them excellently placed at this early juncture.
Remember their only defeat thus far was that last-minute heartbreaker to the Blues at Eden Park where Bryn Gatland’s handy penalty miss cost them a brilliant comeback victory.
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