New breed of Chiefs stand out in bounce-back victory
The new-era Chiefs continue to quell concerns.
Coming into the new Super Rugby Pacific season, there was plenty of interest in who would step up in the absence of departed or injured stars.
But in the side’s 46-29 win over the Fijian Drua in Hamilton last night, several of their next wave stamped their mark on the game.
The likes of Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona and Rameka Poihipi continued their strong starts to the season.
The Chiefs’ rising prospects featured prominently on attack against the Drua, Boshier scoring two tries, Ratima and Rona scoring one each, while the latter also assisted on a couple, while Poihipi ran strongly threatening lines and had a solid impact defensively.
It was a strong way for the Chiefs to bounce back from their loss to the Reds last weekend, against a fast and physical Fijian Drua side who continue to cause problems for teams if allowed to push the pace.
The Drua got the night started when Damian McKenzie was outjumped under a bomb and the loose ball ended in the safe grasp of Drua centre Iosefa Masi, who strode in for his first of the game.
Boshier answered with his first moments later, and the Chiefs soon took the lead through Ratima — only to see the Drua draw level through a second to Masi soon after.
The Chiefs led 24-17 at halftime, courtesy of a Rona try, before a hot start to the second half saw them run out to a 41-17 lead.
That was the game all but sealed but it didn’t stop the Drua from throwing themselves into the line.
They got a late try through Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta but that was soon cancelled out by some individual brilliance from Shaun Stevenson, whose deft chip-and-chase try pushed the scoreline back out.
The Drua had the final say as Kemu Valetini scored in the corner at the horn but it was a strong showing for a Chiefs side looking to bounce back.
Chiefs 46 (Kaylum Boshier 2, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona, Etene NanaiSeturo, Shaun Stevenson tries; Damian McKenzie 5 cons, 2 pens) Fijian Drua 29 (Iosefo Masi 2, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Kemu Valetini tries; Isaiah ArmstrongRavula 3 cons, pen). HT: 24-17.