Force 19 Chiefs 37
The Chiefs perfect start to rugby's Super 14 scaled new heights in Perth overnight (NZT) as they finally unveiled a clinical edge to compound the Western Force's woes with a comfortable 37-19 victory.
The Chiefs were made to work hard before constructing a history-making start to a Super rugby campaign and ultimately underlined their title credentials by closing out a far from flawless performance with a four-try bonus point a minute from time at ME Bank Stadium.
Tim Nanai-Williams slipped over for the final five-pointer emphasising the value provided by the bench during the final quarter of a road trip that has set new standards for last year's beaten finalists.
By backing up wins in Durban and Johannesburg the Hamilton-based franchise have opened the season with three straight wins for the first time since the old Super 12 was launched in 1996.
They can now contemplate their first home match of the season against the Reds next Friday in a position of strength while the winless Force concede more ground with the bye next week and are still to notch a competition point.
When James O'Connor pulled the wooden spoon contenders within a point at 12-13 in the 48th minute a massive boil over loomed, though only until Lelia Masaga was put in space for the first time.
The wing, playing his first serious match since shoulder surgery in September, inflicted the back breaker heading into the final quarter when he applied the finishing touches once an attacking Force lineout went awry.
Captain Liam Messam snatched a surprise possession before the backline clicked with Dwayne Sweeney and Callum Bruce setting the scene for Masaga's happy return down the right flank.
Masaga still had plenty to do when Bruce set him free but the speedster had the legs and strength to elude Scott Staniforth - the former Wallaby conscripted from Japan to ease coach John Mitchell's injury crisis.
Masaga, after a practically dormant first half, almost struck in the same corner three minutes later while Bruce was also held up over the line before Colin Bourke and Nanai-Williams ensured the Chiefs pocketed maximum points and climbed to second on the table.
There was never any prospect of the Chiefs being party to another Johannesburg-style try fest as they racked up unforced errors in the face of staunch Force defence.
The match, 10 minutes late starting after the floodlights failed during the warm-ups, was on a slow burn until the Chiefs efficient finish.
They led 13-6 at halftime, again showing their ruthless streak after a botched lineout culminated in Hika Elliot completing a 60-metre counter attack in the 22nd minute.
Prop-turned hooker Pek Cowan over threw and in a flash Brendon Leonard had kicked and collected a chip before finding Elliot in support.
The hooker in turn found fellow front rower Nathan White, who showed enough pace and poise to hold off the defence before giving Elliot a clear run to the line.
Otherwise the Chiefs relied on the radar boot of Stephen Donald, who extend his successful goal kicking sequence to 14 before missing a penalty on the half hour.
It was his only blemish as the first five-eighth nailed three penalties and each conversion for a 17-point haul.
The Force, who made several promising raids until handling errors intervened, relied on O'Connor and the long-range boot of Brett Sheehan to keep in touch before Ryan Cross claimed a consolation intercept try in the dying stages.
Although their execution wasn't always top notch, the Chiefs defence improved significantly after the Lions scored nine tries last weekend, another reason for them to head home tired but with a spring in their step.
Chiefs 37 (Colin Bourke, Hika Elliot, Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams tries; Stephen Donald 4 conversions, 3 penalties), Western Force 19 (Ryan Cross try; James O'Connor 3 penalties, conversion; Brett Sheehan penalty). HT: 13-6.
- NZPA
