Chiefs leave it late but still down Highlanders
IT took a late try for the Chiefs to resume normal service in the Super 15 New Zealand conference yesterday when the defending champions snatched a 21-19 victory over the Highlanders.
Charlie Ngatai scored in the corner at Waikato Stadium with 11 minutes remaining to put the Chiefs back at the head of the pack, replacing the Highlanders, who had led after a surprise bonus-point win over the Blues last week.
But there will be serious questions asked in the Chiefs camp as they struggled for possession and trailed 7-16 at halftime against a side considered to be the weakest New Zealand franchise.
Although the Chiefs led briefly in the first half it took until the second spell before they were able to gain a measure of control against a side containing mainly unknowns at Super Rugby level.
Even then, as they started to get an even share of posses- sion and territory they still struggled to breach the Highlanders’ defence.
Three penalties and a conversion by Lima Sopoaga, coupled with a try to John Hardie from a lineout drive, gave the Highlanders command in the first half after the Chiefs scored early with a try to Tim Nanai-Williams, converted by Aaron Cruden.
The Chiefs narrowed the gap to two points soon after the resumption when they wore down the Highlanders’ defence with a series of close drives at the line that culminated in a try to Liam Messam, again converted by Cruden.
Yet the Highlanders would not lie down. A solo burst by hooker Liam Coltman took the visitors deep into Chiefs territory, where Sopoaga landed
Cruden chipped into the right corner for Ngatai to score the winning try
his fourth penalty to take them to a 19-14 lead.
However, their hopes of staying in front were dashed when replacement loose forward Liam Squire, making his Super Rugby debut, led the Chiefs deep into Highlanders territory, where Cruden chipped into the right corner for Ngatai to score the match-winning try.
A Henry Speight double and a Matt Toomua masterclass sparked the Brumbies to a 41-7 bonus-point win over the Western Force yesterday at Canberra Stadium to reclaim the lead in the Super Rugby competition lead.
The Force were unable to replicate the giant-slaying feats they mustered up against the Crusaders and Reds in weeks past, with the Brumbies asserting dominance from the get go in front of 12 517 spectators. — AFP