Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs. Chiefs v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific at FMG Stadium, Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand on the Saturday 1 April 2023. Copyright Photo: Jeremy Ward / www.photosport.nz Photo: Jeremy Ward
The Chiefs have won the Battle of the Bombays defeating the Blues 20-13 in a pulsating Super Rugby Pacific derby in Hamilton.
The Waikato-side have won six consecutive games, in a stellar start to their season, but they were pushed by the Blues.
Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa took less than a minute to dot down in the corner in the first of his two tries in the first half which proved the difference.
Waikato co-captain Brad Weber was influential at halfback.
While fullback Damian McKenzie made a couple of errors, his goal kicking was outstanding.
There were also standout performances from the Chiefs with loose forward Luke Jacobson and Samipeni Finau making a ton of tackles.
In the blockbuster clash between two of the best sides in the competition, the Blues will be ruing some key errors and poor discipline which let them down when they needed it most.
For the Blues, Ricky Riccitelli and Caleb Clark crossed over, also in the first half.
With the game tied at 10-all Blues playmaker Beauden Barrett's basic mistake cost his side dearly. He had time to dot down but stepped on the dead-ball line to see his scoring opportunity vanish.
Leading 17-10 at half-time, the Chiefs added a penalty in the second half.
Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane was sidelined in the 60th minute following a heavy collision with Barrett.
The Blues next take on the Rebels in Melbourne, while the Chiefs, sitting top of the standings on 27 points, have the bye.
