Rugby: Try-fest finishes with Chiefs on top

Richard Kahui ran in three tries for the Chiefs during the highest-scoring Super rugby match ever. Photo / Getty Images

Attacking rugby was at a premium, while defence was non-existent as the Chiefs ran in nine tries to down the Lions 72-65 in their Super 14 rugby game in Johannesburg this morning (NZT).

Ahead 27-25 at halftime, the Chiefs ran in five tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half to dominate a young Lions team that seemed to have conceded the game.

But in an unlikely revival, the Lions fought back to run in six second-half tries, Jacques Lombaard securing the bonus point four minutes into injury time with a try converted by fullback Earl Rose.

For the Chiefs, Richard Kahui was back to his mesmerising best, running strongly and picking up a hat-trick of tries. First five-eighth Stephen Donald was also impressive, directing play with aplomb and sinking everything within kicking distance as well as crossing for an early try.

The Chiefs made the best possible start, with Callum Bruce and Kahui finding gaps in the Lions' midfield inside the first minute.

With Sitiveni Sivivatu also making ground on the wing, the Chiefs' early threat on the Lions line was rewarded when Bruce caught the defence flat-footed and strolled over for the try.

Donald's conversion gave the Chiefs a 7-0 lead, and although Earl Rose kept them in touch with a brace of penalties, the New Zealand team were making all the early running.

But captain Sione Lauaki, back after missing last week's game due to an arm injury, did his team no favours at all in the 13th minute when his tackle on centre Deon van Resnberg was deemed dangerous and referee Marius Jonker went for the yellow card.

It was the first of three yellow cards for the Chiefs, as Aled de Malmanche was binned in the 20th minute, and Kahui with 15 minutes remaining in the second half.

For the Lions, pacy winger Wandle Mjekevu was impressive out wide as he picked up a hat-trick of tries as the Lions also ran in nine tries in what was the highest-scoring Super rugby game ever.

- NZPA