Rugby: Chiefs edge closer to playoffs

Augustine Pulu scored two tries to make the most of a rare start. Photo / Getty

Chiefs 34
Bulls 20

The Chiefs once again showed they know exactly how to set aside a setback and keep on racking up the wins.

In tonight's case there were a couple of hurdles to clear en route to a vital victory over the Bulls in Rotorua, but the Chiefs bounded past those obstacles to find five competition points.

Some impediments were of their own doing - spotting the Bulls a two-try headstart through errors close to their line - while they were well aware of others leading up to the game - like their growing injury list.

But the absence of a quartet of locks and the loss of attacking weapon James Lowe did little to dampen the Chiefs' efforts as they continue to charge towards the playoffs, with next weekend's showdown against the Highlanders looming as pivotal.

Whether any of the injured locks return for that match remains to be seen but, based on tonight's efforts, it's also questionable how desperately the Chiefs need the reinforcements.

Because a locking combination featuring loose forward Johan Bardoul and retired All Black Ross Filipo never looked out of place against a fearsome Bulls pack. Filipo, in fact, possesed a level of energy that belied a season spent playing only club rugby, answering Dave Rennie's SOS call in emphatic fashion.

The attack, without Lowe, was far from perfect but that had been the case throughout the campaign, regardless of whether the Tasman flyer was present in the side. Hosea Gear and Bryce Heem regressed after impressive outings against the Hurricanes but the Chiefs were able to threaten in other areas.

They enjoyed particularly success around the edges and up the middle, with Augustine Pulu making the most of a rare start in an impressive two-try performance, while Damian McKenzie showcased his full range of skills.

But it was in the forwards where thr groundwork was laid, meeting the challenge provided by the Bulls to help their side remain in the game after a wayward attack contributed to an uneven opening half.

The home side had all the ball in the beginning stages but, with their wings making a meal of a couple of kicks to gift two tries, the Chiefs were left chasing the encounter.

"We made a couple of errors in behind, we didn't deal with the ball very well and they got a couple of quick tries," Rennie said. "But I was pleased with the way the boys fought their way back into it."

The fightback wasn't initially evident as the Bulls capitalised on errors to enjoy their best spell of the match, taking advantage of an opponent that suddenly looked directionless and struggled for field position.

For the stats on this game go to nzherald.co.nz/rugbymatchstats

But, as they have proved time and again, Rennie's men hardly need territory to be dangerous, with a pair of first-half tries to Liam Messam and Heem coming after successful counter attacks.

Drawing level by halftime helped the Chiefs regain composure and play with increasing fluidity, with that growing confidence apparent during their patient play after the break.

The Chiefs were content to monopolise possession and break the Bulls down in incrememnts, with Pulu soon the benefactor of a tiring Bulls defence, creating some comfort for the first time all night.

"The second half was better," Rennie said. "We kicked better, maintained pill longer and pressure turned into points eventually."

Chiefs 34 (Messam, Heem, Pulu 2, Nanai-Williams tries; McKenzie pen, 3 cons)
Bulls 20 (Serfontein, Basson, Labuschagne tries; Pollard con, pen)
HT: 15-15

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