McGregor in lead

Power Chill's Robin McGregor has taken a decisive lead in Te Awamutu Courier ‘Our Panel's Picks' Super Rugby competition after cashing in on playing his joker worth double points. McGregor has rocketed into the lead at 78 per cent with the help of his joker and picking six games out of seven correct. Bulls were the favourites for the game against the Brumbies, but were soundly beaten 38-28. Chris Grenfell (Edmonds Judd) is in second spot with 74 per cent, followed by Jeremy Collett (Qubik) and Mike Herbert (Waste Management) at 71. The Gallagher Chiefs recorded a crucial 39-27 win over the Waratahs at FMG Stadium Waikato to keep themselves right in the Super Rugby playoff hunt. The Waratahs scored tries through wing Cam Clark and centre Curtis Rona, both converted by first five Bernard Foley for a 14-0 lead after only 13 minutes. A patient build up of 10 phases from the Chiefs ended in first five Damian McKenzie finding Brodie Retallick with a pass close to the line and the big lock ran through untouched to score under the posts. Quick thinking from veteran Liam Messam saw him pick up a loose ball at the back of a Waratahs' ruck, before offloading to hooker Nathan Harris in support to score another try. The Waratahs led 14-12 after half an hour. The Chiefs launched another scintillating attack from a lineout on halfway, with no less than seven offloads eventually ending in McKenzie tumbling his way over the line to give his team a 19-14 halftime lead. Foley closed the gap up to 19-17 with a penalty kick from right in front. A break from Sean Wainui down the left wing sparked another Chiefs' attack. The ball then moved quickly to Toni Pulu's wing on the right where he beat two defenders with a smooth swerve and fend to score the home team's fourth try. The Waratahs responded with a Kurtley Beale try, converted by Foley from out wide to level the scores. A well-placed kick from the boot of halfback Brad Weber 45 metres out allowed Pulu to easily get past the Waratahs defending out wide to score his second try. With 15 minutes remaining, another Foley penalty got the Waratahs to within two points to set up a tense finish. The Chiefs finished strongly. McKenzie nailed a penalty, then with time up on the clock, he spotted a gap and slipped a tackle to break away and score a bonus point try. Next up are the Crusaders (Saturday 2 June, kick off 7.35pm at FMG Stadium Waikato).