Chiefs 43 Bulls 27
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The Chiefs pummelled the Bulls 43-27 in their Super 14 rugby match in Rotorua tonight.
They overcame a 10-point deficit in the first quarter with a six tries to three victory, taking maximum points but denying the Bulls a bonus point despite the high scoring encounter.
Chiefs halfback Brendon Leonard scored two tries, set up two others and sparked the confidence his team badly needed after they had led by just two points at halftime.
The Chiefs turned around with a 12-10 lead, but as the match wore on, Leonard's options from set pieces and rucks pumped more confidence into his backline.
The Bulls had led 10-0 in the first quarter following a try by second five-eighth Wynand Olivier and a conversion and penalty by first five-eighth Derick Hougaard.
Olivier slipped through a gap after a quick ruck ball when the Chiefs were still try to regroup.
Leonard's first try for the Chiefs oozed class though. Big loose forward Sione Lauaki took a high kick from Bulls winger Akona Ndungane at midfield, chip-kicked over the defence, regathered and sent a swift pass to his halfback who outpaced the cover defence.
Then second five-eighth Callum Bruce crashed over after a second phase attack following a lineout. First five-eighth Stephen Donald converted for their 12-10 lead. Only five minute earlier prop Simms Davidson had powered through over the line after a series of pick-and-go by the home pack but was ruled to have knocked on by the video referee.
Chiefs 43 (Brendon Leonard 2, Callum Bruce, Dwayne Sweeney, Lelia Masaga, Liam Messam tries; Stephen Donald pen, 5 con), Bulls 27 (Wynand Olivier, Deon Stegmann, Akona Ndungane tries; Derick Hougaard pen, dropped goal, 3 con). Halftime: 12-10.
- NZPA
