The Chiefs rounded off their Super 12 rugby warm-up programme with an 18-10 win over the Highlanders at Tauranga Domain last night.
The Chiefs dominated most facets of the game. They led 15-7 at halftime and were rarely threatened on a rain-
soaked ground, controlling possession and turning in a strong defensive display.
Coach John Mitchell was upbeat about his side's first warm-up win but conceded that there was plenty to work on before meeting the Waratahs in Sydney next week.
"For the amount of hard work that's gone into this campaign so far, we've progressed from where we started but, more than anything, it has given guys confidence in what they're doing," Mitchell said.
"It was a step up from our other games. I thought our defence was quite outstanding - but the reality is next
week, not here."
Centre Mark Ranby and second five-eighths Scott McLeod scored the Chiefs' tries, but they came after Highlanders flanker Josh Blaikie had put his team ahead with a try after a muddle by the Chiefs at a scrum 5m from their own line.
Ranby, outstanding on attack and defence, sparked the Chiefs' revival, scoring from close range in the 24th minute after wing Roger Randle was dragged down a metre short, and McLeod capitalised on a break by halfback Danny Lee just before the interval.
- NZPA
New Zealand's Super 12 squads
2001 Super 12 schedule
Chiefs in charge in final warm-up
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