Chiefs beat Moana Pasifika 57-24 in Hamilton

Chiefs 57-24 Moana Pasifika, Hamilton

The Chiefs delivered a dominant attacking performance in Hamilton, defeating Moana Pasifika 57-24 in a high-scoring Super Rugby clash.

The match also marked the return of Damian McKenzie, who played a key role in several attacking moves as the Chiefs maintained control for most of the contest.

McKenzie’s comeback after missing the start of the season added energy to the Chiefs attack, while fellow All Black Cortez Ratima also impressed with his distribution and kicking game. The hosts produced a fast start and maintained their momentum throughout the match.

Chiefs Start Fast With Early Tries

The Chiefs wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Quinn Tupaea crossed in the second minute after a strong break from Leroy Carter created space in the Moana Pasifika defence. The early pressure continued shortly after when Carter turned provider again, setting up Liam Coombes-Fabling to extend the lead to 14-0.

Moana Pasifika responded quickly with a brilliant solo effort from former Melbourne Rebels player Glen Vaihu, ensuring the visitors remained competitive during a frantic opening period that produced three tries inside the first ten minutes reducing the deficit down to seven points.

McKenzie Influence Shifts Momentum

The Chiefs continued to apply attacking pressure and Carter added another try after slick handling from the backline opened space out wide. Moana Pasifika again fought back through Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, who powered over following a well-executed rolling maul.

Damian McKenzie then produced a series of decisive plays that shifted the momentum firmly toward the Chiefs. First, he produced an important try-saving tackle on Allan Craig before launching a counter-attack that eventually set up Emoni Narawa for a try.

McKenzie remained central to the attack and chased down a chip kick from Cortez Ratima before linking with Lalakai Foketi, who crossed for his first try for the Chiefs. The hosts carried that momentum into halftime with a 31-14 lead.

Chiefs Pull Away In Second Half

Even though Moana Pasifika started the proceedings in the second with a touchdown from Tupou Ta'eiloa, the Chiefs maintained their attacking dominance as Carter added two more tries within a six-minute spell to stretch the lead and put the result beyond doubt.

A well-constructed backline move then allowed replacement Kyle Brown to score with his first touch of the match as the Chiefs crossed the 50-point mark.

Moana Pasifika continued to battle but struggled to contain the Chiefs’ attacking pace. Replacement Tyrone Thompson added the final try to complete the scoring as the Chiefs secured an emphatic 57-24 victory and strengthened their position near the top of the Super Rugby standings.

Team line up:

Chiefs: 15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (captain), 4 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Benet Kumeroa.

Reserves: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 George Dyer, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Kyle Brown.

Moana Pasifika: 15 Glen Vaihu, 14 Tevita Ofa, 13 Tevita Latu, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Semisi Paea, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (captain), 5 Allan Craig, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Chris Apoua, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Abraham Pole.

Reserves: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Ofa Tauatevalu, 20 Ola Tauelangi, 21 Joel Lam, 22 Patrick Pellegrino, 23 Tyler Pulini.