Chiefs take charge in derby
The Chiefs piled on the agony for the struggling Highlanders with a 39-24 victory in the New Zealand derby at Waikato Stadium.
Last Updated: 29/03/08 8:47am
The Chiefs piled on the agony for the struggling Highlanders with a 39-24 victory in the New Zealand derby at Waikato Stadium.
Winger Lelia Masaga scored in each half to guide his side to a four-try bonus, while lock Hoani Macdonald grabbed a rare brace for the Highlanders, who remain without a win this season.
Mike Delaney scored a late try to earn a bonus point for the South Islanders.
The Chiefs have been slow starters this season. But this time, the hosts charged out of the blocks into a 22-0 lead.
Two tries in the final 10 minutes of the half brought the visitors right back in to the game, cutting the home lead to 10 points at half-time, but the Chiefs kept the lead.
After Stephen Donald's early penalty, flanker Liam Messam, Brendon Leonard and Masaga all touched down.
But the Highlanders, sensing a sixth straight defeat, struck back within moments of Masaga's first try.
Form
Left-winger Fetu'u Vainikolo continued his strong form in the competition with his fourth try of the competition.
Moments later, lock Hoani Macdonald popped up on the opposite flank and charged over the line, staving off some weak flank defence to score before Daniel Bowden converted.
Masaga got the Chiefs back in charge within seconds of the half-time break with his second try of the night.
Twenty minutes later, Macdonald doubled up from a long line out throw after Vainikolo's persistent run down the flank to keep the visitors in with a chance.
Leonard was denied a second try by the video referee but further tries by Donald and captain Mils Muliaina put matters beyond doubt.
