Chiefs triumph over Blues in Super Rugby Pacific showdown

Blues 14-25 Chiefs, Eden Park

The Chiefs made a strong statement in the Super Rugby Pacific season opener by securing a 25-14 victory over the Blues at Eden Park.

The match featured dominant forward battles, tactical kicking, and a sensational second-half performance from Damian McKenzie, who scored twice to propel his team to victory.

The Blues wasted no time in imposing themselves, launching early attacks that paid off in the 10th minute when flanker Dalton Papali'i crashed over from close range following a well-executed rolling maul. With the conversion added, the Blues took an early 7-0 lead.

Just five minutes later, the hosts extended their advantage. A brilliant defensive turnover from Papali'i set up an opportunity out wide, where AJ Lam finished in the corner. Harry Plummer nailed the touchline conversion, pushing the Blues ahead 14-0 by the 15th minute.

The Chiefs, however, began to work their way back into the game, dominating possession and playing in the Blues’ half. Their pressure finally yielded results in the 30th minute, when a penalty was awarded within kicking range. McKenzie slotted the three points, getting the Chiefs on the board at 14-3.

As halftime approached, the Blues looked comfortable, but the Chiefs continued to threaten. Right before the break in the 39th minute, a scrum penalty allowed McKenzie another shot at goal, which he converted, reducing the deficit to 14-6 heading into halftime.

The Chiefs started the second half with renewed energy, and their aggressive play soon paid dividends. In the 47th minute, debutant winger Leroy Carter showcased his pace and agility, finishing off a flowing backline move to dive over in the corner. McKenzie’s conversion attempt drifted wide, but the Chiefs had closed the gap to 14-11.

The Blues struggled to regain control, and the Chiefs capitalized further. A crucial 50/22 kick by Cortez Ratima in the 58th minute put them in a prime attacking position. From the ensuing lineout, McKenzie executed a slick inside step, breaking through the defense to score under the posts. His successful conversion gave the Chiefs their first lead at 18-14.

The Blues attempted to strike back and thought they had done so in the 64th minute when Mark Tele’a appeared to have scored. However, a TMO review ruled that a forward pass had occurred in the build-up, denying them the crucial try.

With the Blues unable to break through, the Chiefs took full advantage. In the 74th minute, McKenzie once again showcased his class, intercepting a loose pass and sprinting untouched to the try line. His conversion pushed the lead further to 25-14, effectively sealing the game.

The Blues tried desperately to stage a comeback in the final moments, but handling errors and strong Chiefs defense kept them at bay. The final whistle blew with the visitors securing a commanding 25-14 victory.