Source: Radio New Zealand
Chiefs’ Quinn Tupaea scores a try during the Chiefs vs Moana Pasifika, Super Rugby Pacific match at FMG Stadium, Hamilton. DJ Mills / Photosport
The Chiefs bounced back from last week’s Super Rugby Pacific disappointment to run riot against Moana Pasifika in a 57-24 win.
This has been one of the most one-sided fixtures since Moana joined Super Rugby and Friday night was no different.
In a frenetic first, half seven tries were scored before the break in Hamilton.
Chiefs back Quinn Tupaea continued his strong start to the season when he scored close to the left touch line in the third minute.
A minute later fullback Liam Coombe-Fabling scored the second try when he strolled over the line by making the most of the outside channel.
Moana closed the deficit 10 minutes into the game when fullback Glen Vaihu collected a bounce pass, straightened up, and sliced through beside the posts.
Chiefs winger Leroy Carter also capitalised on space down the left side when scored with ease in the 16th minute.
Against the run of play Moana hit back with a try for number eight Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa as he bumped off players to get to the try line.
Chiefs’ Damian McKenzie takes a high ball during the Super Rugby Pacific match. DJ Mills / Photosport
New dad Damian McKenzie helped set up the Chiefs’ fourth try with some fancy footwork to create space in Moana defence before winger Emoni Narawa got in on the scoring action.
McKenzie also played a part in the fifth try which was scored by former Wallabies midfielder Lalakai Foketi in his first start for the hosts. McKenzie got a kind bounce off his own kick before he flicked the ball back in field to Cortez Ratima, who was also back from paternity leave, and then fed Foketi.
After all the action in the first 40 minutes the Chiefs lead 31-14 at half-time.
Moana were first to score in the second half when Tupou Ta’eiloa again used his size to keep his side in the game.
Carter scored twice in six minutes to bring up his hat-trick on the night and extend the Chiefs’ lead.
With his first touch of the game replacement Kyle Brown was rolling in behind the posts as McKenzie converted it to bring up the 50 points.
Another substitute, Tyrone Thompson also got in the board when he lobbed to the back of the lineout, and the Chiefs got a drive going with Thompson in the boot. He remained patient, seeing his way over in the corner.
For all their dominance the Chiefs were also ahead on the penalty count which will have frustrated coach Jono Gibbs.
With time nearly up on the clock, Tevita Ofa scored his second try of the season and Moana’s fourth of the game.
Moana now extend their losing streak against the Chiefs to eight games and a third loss of the season keeps the team on the bottom of the points.
Follow how all the action unfolded below:
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
