Chiefs see off Hurricanes with 26-18 win

Chiefs 26-18 Hurricanes, FMG Stadium Waikato
Scorecard

Damian McKenzie contributed with 16 points as Chiefs claimed the top position with a 26-18 win against Hurricanes in their Super Rugby encounter at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday.

Hurricanes were sloppy at the first half as they lost Ardie Savea and Michael Fatialofa temporarily in the 18th and 27th minute leaving them one man short for most part of the 40 minutes.

Despite, a double penalty kick from All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett, Hurricanes trailed by 11 points in the first half with Brodie Retallick and Toni Pulu crossing over for the hosts while fullback McKenzie added a double penalty and a conversion to take them to 17 points.

McKenzie extended Chiefs advantage in the second half with his second penalty kick coming in 51st minute but Hurricanes made a brief comeback through tries from TJ Perenara and Julian Savea in the final quarter.

However, McKenzie held his nerve and kicked two more penalties in the final five minutes to seal an eight point win for Chiefs despite a yellow card to Michael Leitch in the 77th minute.

The win has also meant Chiefs top the New Zealand conference with 14 points from three games while Hurricanes are at second with 10 points.