Capable Cruden’s 14 points help Chiefs ascend to top spot

the defending champions to 61 points, ahead of Australia’s Brumbies (59), who have played one game more than the New Zealand side. The defeat ended the Hurricanes’ play-off hopes.

“We were a bit rusty in the first half and I think (showed) a bit more accuracy and ticker (heart) in the second half,” said Chiefs captain Craig Clarke.

“The points are crucial as we aim to get a home semi and we have to keep winning these local derbies.”

The intensity was ramped up with the play-offs looming as both sides shook off the rust from the international break.

Both were patient in their attack, willing to build phases and stretch the opposition defence with the only difference in the first half a missed conversion by ’Canes flyhalf Beauden Barrett.

Cruden slotted an early penalty and converted tries by No 8 Matt Vant Leven and inside centre Bundee Aki.

Both of the Hurricanes tries – to scrumhalf TJ Perenara and Barrett – came from patient build- ups and with 22-year-old Perenara converting one and a penalty with halftime looming, the ’Canes were just two points down at the break.

The match settled into a war of attrition before Cruden gave his side a five-point cushion with his second penalty before the Chiefs shut the Hurricanes down in the final quarter.

The Chiefs pulled clear when scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow and replacement prop Ben Tameifuna crashed over to give the home side a 19-point lead with five minutes remaining before Alapati Leiua grabbed a consolation try for the Hurricanes.

“I felt we were in that game even though the scoreboard suggests otherwise,” ’Canes captain and centre Conrad Smith said.

“They’re a good side and you know that when you think you’re in it, look at the scoreboard and are 10 points down.” – Reuters Scorers: CHIEFS. Tries: Matt Vant Leven, Bundee Aki, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Ben Tameifuna. Conversions: Aaron Cruden (4). Penalties: Cruden (2) HURRICANES. Tries: TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Alapati Leiua. Conversions: Barrett (2). Penalties: Barrett

Gallo Images BEST FOOT FORWARD: Aaron Cruden of the Chiefs kicks the ball past Chris Smylie of the Hurricanes during yesterday’s Super Rugby match at Waikato Stadium.