Chiefs 50
Drua 17
The Chiefs title quest marches on.
In an at times clunky rather than clinical performance, the Chiefs banked another bonus point victory over the Fijian Drua to further strengthen their grip on top seeding while extending their franchise record start to eight unbeaten matches.
With one eye firmly on hosting a rematch against the Crusaders next week, the Chiefs still managed to triumph without Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson and Brad Weber to set up an engrossing preview of what could well be this year’s final.
While the wide margin of victory suggests this was a comfortable romp for the Chiefs, but for frequently frustrating and untimely handling errors the Drua could have pushed the competition pace-setters as they did the Brumbies in Canberra last week.
In a nod to the brilliant flair they have injected into Super Rugby Pacific, Drua wing Ilaisa Droasese claimed the try of the match after an 80 metre counter-attack following an error in contact from All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho.
Other aspects of the Drua’s work, though, left a lot to be desired which handed the Chiefs regular outs.
In the absence of Cane in particular, Brodie Retallick produced a tireless, dominant performance. Retallick’s try 10 minutes from time broke a period where the Chiefs struggled to penetrate the Drua after leading 31-12 at halftime.
From there, Clayton McMillan’s highly credentialed side eased clear to finish with eight tries but they did not have it all their own way.
Cracking the half century while rotating your squad and still having plenty to improve in many respects underlines why the Chiefs have all the tools to go all the way this season.
On a cold wet night in Hamilton the Drua could have dropped their lip after trailing 14-0 early. They instead battled back into the contest through a competitive spirit, combative forward pack and courageous goal-line defence.
The Chiefs will be disappointed with much of their second half execution – failing to convert a yellow card advantage one example of squandered opportunities.
While the Drua’s accuracy was frequently absent at the lineout, where they lost six throws, and with their restarts, they deserve credit for their resolve that forced the Chiefs to take a shot at goal with 14 minutes remaining while leading by as many points.
On this evidence the Drua are well placed to challenge the Blues in Fiji next week after recording home victories against the Crusaders and Rebels this season.
Persistent heavy rain suggested this fixture would be reduced to something of a bumbling affair - yet the Chiefs and Drua defied those conditions to combine for seven first half tries.
The Chiefs maintained their momentum from the outset to claim two of their five first half strikes in the opening eight minutes with Cortez Ratima and the in-form Shaun Stevenson, having shifted from fullback to the right wing, setting the tone.
Bryn Gatland, Stevenson and Etene Nanai-Seturo used tactical kicks in behind the Drua to create space and cause havoc.
Up front powerful loose forward Samipeni Finau was prominent on the edge and with one charge down underpinning his work rate, while Retallick attacked the breakdown, Pita Gus Sowakula carried strongly against his countrymen and Taukei’aho pounced for a try after a botched kick-off reception from the Drua proved costly.
Three yellow cards – one for the Chiefs, two for the Drua – contributed to the free-flowing spectacle.
Despite being on the back foot for large periods the Drua played their part, too. Their captain, hooker Tevita Ikanivere, led from the front with destructive carries and was denied two tries after being pushed out in the corner and losing the ball over the line.
The Drua forward pack twice responded through the combative, direct approach which set the platform for openside Elia Canakaivata and midfielder Michael Naitokani to crash over from close range.
Two-test All Blacks lock Josh Lord made an immediate impression with a 34-minute stint in his first Super Rugby match after an 11-month layoff with an ACL injury, offering punishing defence off the bench.
Lord’s return adds to the Chiefs seemingly abundant forward depth. It’s here they are best place to challenge the Crusaders for this year’s mantle.
Next week will, therefore, provide the most telling insight yet as to where this year’s favouritism resides.
Chiefs 50 (Cortez Ratima, Shaun Stevenson, Kaylum Boshier, Damian McKenzie, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Etene Nanai-Seturo tries; McKenzie 5 cons)
Drua 17 (Elia Canakaivata, Michael Naitokani, Ilaisa Droasese tries; Teti Tela con)
HT: 31-12
