Liam Coombes-Fabling (left) celebrates his try for the Chiefs with Damian McKenzie. Photo / Photosport
Liam Coombes-Fabling (left) celebrates his try for the Chiefs with Damian McKenzie. Photo / Photosport
Chiefs 52
Moana Pasifika 29
For all the good work the Chiefs did in their 52-29 win over Moana Pasifika in Melbourne, their second-half performance will have soured the taste of victory.
It took less than 10 seconds for the Chiefs to get on the scoreboard as second five-eighth Rameka Poihipi intercepted a pass following the kickoff mere metres from the tryline.
It was the start of an impressive first half from the Chiefs which saw them run in six tries to none, starving Moana Pasifika of possession and putting the foot down any time they ventured into opposition territory.
Damian McKenzie was a key figure in the Chiefs running up a 38-3 halftime lead, pulling the strings of the attack well to put teammates in space or attack a gap himself, and kicking for territory when it was the right option.
He was ably assisted by Brad Weber who was aggressive in his decision-making from the ruck and ran good support lines to score two tries, while Shaun Stevenson appears to have found a home at fullback, scoring a hat-trick for his efforts.
Shaun Stevenson of the Chiefs scores against Moana Pasifika. Photo / Photosport
The space to move was thanks in large part to the grunt work of the forwards, particularly from close range as they took some strong carries to put their side on the front foot, while Samisoni Taukei’aho was a menace at the breakdown, winning several turnovers.
There was little to fault in their first-half display as they made the most of Moana Pasifika being unable to find a way to keep the ball for long periods. But after the halftime break, that all changed.
A quick penalty welcomed Moana Pasifika deep into Chiefs territory, and Timoci Tavatavanawai went over on the right wing soon after.
Less than 10 minutes later, another penalty allowed Moana Pasifika to kick to the corner and hooker Sam Moli planted the ball from the back of a lineout drive.
Yellow cards to Weber, his eventual replacement Cortez Ratima, and reserve back Bryn Gatland made life all the more difficult for the Chiefs, who would have felt like they should have blown Moana Pasifika away after the start they made.
Moana Pasifika were rewarded for staying in the fight, and started to get some consistent time with ball in hand – finishing the game with the larger share of possession.
The side had some big individual performances from fullback Danny Toala, and midfield duo Levi Aumua and Fine Inisi, while Miracle Fai’ilagi – a former Samoan sevens player making his Super Rugby debut – gave an immense performance and will be one to watch.
But while it was a tale of two halves for the Chiefs, they still showed glimpses of that first-half magic to ensure a sizeable scoreline when the final whistle sounded.
