Anton Lienert-Brown and Damian McKenzie rejoice in the course of the Chiefs’ win over the Reds. Picture / Photosport
Chiefs 43
Reds 21
A return to knockout rugby has introduced the perfect out of the Chiefs.
Incomes quarter-final internet hosting rights by claiming the fourth seed after a strong common season, the Chiefs’ conflict with the Reds in Hamilton was tipped by many to be the sport to look at of the spherical.
However inside 20 minutes, the Chiefs had all however put it to mattress.
Outscoring the clock by means of the opening 24 minutes set the hosts as much as declare a 43-21 win in what was arguably their finest outing for the season to date, smothering the guests defensively and placing the foot down on assault.
Whereas the Chiefs completed with a 9-5 file for the season, this was a efficiency to remind everybody of what they’re able to when firing on all cylinders.
“We’ve acquired lots of perception,” captain Luke Jacobson advised Sky Sport after the sport.
“I believe we’re priming on the proper time. We’re beginning to peak. You don’t must do it in the course of the season; it issues within the finals and that’s all we’re aiming for.”
Defensively, the Chiefs have been immense. Ten gamers within the beginning lineup made double-digit tackles – led by Jacobson’s 23 – whereas they have been working arduous to both get arms on the ball on the breakdown or push excessive with their counter-ruck.
Tupou Vaa’i and Samipeni Finau shone with their affect defensively, rookie Wallace Sititi seemed each half a seasoned Tremendous Rugby participant on each ends, whereas Samisoni Taukei’aho bagged a double within the first half – simply the second recreation he has scored in all season – and backed that up with a top quality night time in his core areas.
The assault was, for essentially the most half, seamless with the appropriate possibility being taken and nicely executed persistently. Damian McKenzie pulled the strings brilliantly, whereas Shaun Stevenson confirmed his potential to interrupt the sector open a number of occasions along with his passing, kicking and operating recreation. The midfield labored arduous, the wings flashed their ending nous, whereas the entrance row was strong as nicely.
It acquired off to a powerful begin for the Chiefs when an outstanding kick chase led to Anton Lienert-Brown being on the spot to make a dominant deal with and the Chiefs getting the ball again by means of their counter-ruck. Quickly after, Taukei’aho muscled by means of a handful of defenders from about 5m out to open the scoring.
Whereas the Reds couldn’t crack the Chiefs’ defences, the hosts used the width of the sector nicely to create and exploit area.
When Sititi put Emoni Narawa over after a good looking cross from Shaun Stevenson set the No 8 free down the appropriate wing, it seemed ominous for the guests.
One other attempt to Taukei’aho adopted, with Etene Nanai-Seturo including a fourth within the first half earlier than a McKenzie penalty gave the aspect a 31-0 lead on the break.
The Reds fought again into the sport within the second half, being rewarded with a few tries by means of Tate McDermott and one other by means of Lawson Creighton, nevertheless it was too little too late because the Chiefs ran away with a powerful win; awaiting both the Hurricanes or the Melbourne Rebels within the semifinals.
Chiefs 43 (Samisoni Taukei’aho 2, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Bradley Slater tries; Damian McKenzie 5 cons, pen)
Reds 21 (Tate McDermott 2, Lawson Creighton tries; Tom Lynagh con, Creighton 2 cons)
HT: 31-0
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports activities group in 2017, bringing the identical versatility to his protection as he does to his sports activities viewing habits.
