Chiefs edge Blues in Super Rugby Pacific thriller

Chiefs 32-31 Blues, FMG Stadium Waikato

The Chiefs claimed a tense 32-31 victory over the Blues in a high-intensity Super Rugby Pacific showdown at FMG Stadium Waikato.

The match delivered non-stop action, with both sides exchanging the lead multiple times before the Chiefs held on to secure a crucial win. Damian McKenzie played a decisive role, steering his team with a composed kicking display and orchestrating the Chiefs' attack in key moments.

The match started at a frenetic pace, with the Chiefs immediately applying pressure through their aggressive attack. Their early momentum paid off in the 6th minute, as a well-executed backline move saw Shaun Stevenson cross for the opening try. McKenzie converted, giving the Chiefs a 7-0 lead.

The Blues responded swiftly, using their powerful forward pack to gain ground. In the 13th minute, they struck back when Patrick Tuipulotu crashed over from close range after sustained pressure inside the Chiefs' 22. The successful conversion leveled the score at 7-7.

The Chiefs continued to play with confidence, and McKenzie slotted a penalty in the 20th minute to edge them ahead 10-7. The Blues, however, took advantage of a defensive lapse, with Rieko Ioane slicing through the midfield in the 27th minute for a stunning solo try. The conversion pushed them into the lead 14-10.

With halftime approaching, the Chiefs forced a crucial turnover deep in Blues territory, and Brodie Retallick powered over the line for their second try. Another McKenzie conversion gave them a 16-14 advantage going into the break.

The Blues came out firing in the second half, immediately putting the Chiefs under pressure. Their forward dominance paid off in the 42nd minute, when Dalton Papali’i muscled his way over to restore the lead at 21-16.

The Chiefs responded emphatically. In the 50th minute, McKenzie found space in the Blues' defensive line and delivered a pinpoint pass to Etene Nanai-Seturo, who sprinted over for a well-taken try. With another successful conversion, the Chiefs reclaimed a 23-21 lead.

The Blues, refusing to back down, earned a 56th-minute penalty, which they converted to sneak ahead 24-23. But the Chiefs countered immediately, as Luke Jacobson crashed over the line in the 65th minute, stretching the lead to 28-24.

With the clock ticking down, McKenzie slotted a penalty in the 71st minute, extending the Chiefs' lead to 31-24.

The Blues mounted a final push and, in the 76th minute, Caleb Clarke finished off a brilliant team effort, diving over to bring the score to 31-29. However, the crucial conversion attempt struck the upright, leaving the Blues trailing by two points.

In the final minutes, the Blues pressed hard, but McKenzie added another penalty in the 78th minute, sealing the 32-31 victory. A last-gasp attack from the Blues ended in a handling error, allowing the Chiefs to clear the ball and secure the win.