TUPOU Vaa’i scored two tries as the Chiefs bounced back from their first loss of the season to beat the Hurricanes 23-12.
The Chiefs’ 10-match winning streak ended last weekend when they were beaten by the Reds but victory yesterday cemented their place at the top and ensured they will host a home play-off.
The Chiefs led 10-0 after the Hurricanes gifted second row Vaa’i with two tries from lineout malfunctions. The Hurricanes came back with two good tries in the rainsoaked conditions.
Full-back Josh Moorby made a break down the right flank, fending tacklers then kicking ahead and winning the race to touch down. Back rower Brayden Iose then intercepted a loose pass on halfway and dashed away to score before Damian McKenzie landed two late penalties to keet the Hurricanes at bay.
“When it comes to this point in the season the weather changes and the rugby we play has to change accordingly,” Chiefs captain Sam Cane said. “It was always going to be a battle of the forwards. It won’t be pieces of individual brilliance that win games at this point in the season, it will be a collective effort.”
The Crusaders are timing their run nicely as their 41-7 win over Moana Pasifika on Friday night secured their third straight victory to remain in contention for a top two finish.
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