Chiefs blitz stuns Blues
The Chiefs belied their injury problems as a first-half blitz saw off the Blues 29-14 in Hamilton.
Last Updated: 02/03/12 8:49am
The Chiefs belied their injury problems as a first-half blitz saw off the Blues 29-14 in Hamilton.
Despite missing the likes of Ben Afeaki, Toby Smith, Lelia Masaga and Brendon Leonard - all injured in the narrow opening day defeat to the Highlanders - the Chiefs cut through the Blues at will during the opening period
Tries from Arizona Taumalolo, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Tim Nanai-Williams sealed the bonus point by the break with Aaron Cruden adding three conversions and a penalty.
However worryingly for the Chiefs, they failed to score in the second half - with Michael Hobbs slotting over a penalty, to add to first half efforts, and Sherwin Stowers scoring a late try for the Blues.
The other concern for the Chiefs, who were simply irresistible at times, will be the fact Kane Thompson, Mahonri Schwalger and Tikoirotuma all went off injured.
Despite the pace and exciting talent in their backs, it was the much-maligned pack that got the Chiefs up and running.
A set drill from a lineout 5m out saw Taumalolo powering over for the opening try - and from there on the home side never looked back.
Cruden converted from wide out and then slotted over a long-range penalty to give the Chiefs a 10-0 lead after seven minutes.
The Blues hit back through two penalties from Hobbs - only for the Chiefs to cross for the second try of the match.
Incisive
Robbie Robinson created the score with a superb 40m break, with the full-back finding Tikoirotuma out wide for the winger to dive over. Cruden added the extras.
Another incisive break - this time from Nanai-Williams - helped the Chiefs extend their lead on the half-hour. The Chiefs winger danced through the Blues defence and although he was hauled down short, a couple of quick drives created the gap for Kerr-Barlow to snipe through. Cruden converted.
And within two minutes it was Nanai-Williams who scored. The pace of Robinson again caused the Blues all sorts of trouble and although the covering defence managed to stop Tanerau Latimer and Craig Clarke, Nanai-Williams was able to scamper over.
Hobbs had the chance to give the Blues a lifeline before the interval but his penalty hit the post.
After the highs of the first half - and with the bonus point in the bag - the second 40 was always going to be tighter.
And the Chiefs cause was not helped by the loss of Thompson, Schwalger and Tikoirotuma as the half went on - with the home side losing their shape for the second successive week.
Hobbs took advantage of a lull in the Chiefs' play to land his third successful penalty - although he was well wide five minutes later as the Blues began to turn the screw.
However the Blues too often coughed up possession or ran into a solid Chiefs defence.
Kerr-Barlow did his best to breathe life into the Chiefs' attacking play with a couple of brilliant sniping runs but he lacked the support.
And the Blues managed to finally cross when Stowers barrelled over in the last two minutes - but it was too little, too late.
