Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs dives to score a try, during the Saturday game at Eden Park. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The Chiefs have gained a measure of revenge for last year's grand final defeat to the Blues, winning a physical encounter 25-14 at Eden Park. The result was sealed with All Black Damian McKenzie crossing for two second half tries, built on some excellent work by his forwards.
The Blues failed to score a point in the second half and were effectively shut down by a committed Chiefs defensive plan, as well as the injection of a number of All Blacks off the bench. McKenzie's much-talked about shift to fullback worked perfectly, with his pace through the line crucial for the two tries.
Earlier, it was the Blues who seemed happy to tackle and kick their way through the game, managing two very well-worked tries in the first half. Dalton Papali'i got over after an attacking lineout, then provided a key steal to set up AJ Lam's try in the corner.
But, other than a Mark Tele'a effort that was ruled out by the TMO in the second half, that was as good as it got for a strangely disjointed Blues side, who couldn't get their abrasive style from last year going.
Leroy Carter scored an excellent try in the 66th minute to put the Chiefs ahead, the All Blacks Sevens rep having a very productive game on debut. Cortez Ratima's contribution off the bench was immense, kicking an important 50/22 and marshalling his forwards well.
The end result silenced the 25,200-strong crowd who had put up with constant showers throughout the game.
The Blues take on the Highlanders next weekend in Dunedin, while the Chiefs head home to Hamilton to face the resurgent Crusaders.
See how the game unfolded:
Team lists
Blues: 1. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Laghlan McWhannell, 5. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 6. Anton Segner, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Cameron Suafoa, 9. Taufa Funaki, 10. Harry Plummer, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. AJ Lam, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Mark Tele'a, 15. Beauden Barrett
Bench: 16. Nathaniel Pole, 17. Josh Fusitua, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Che Clark, 20. Adrian Choat, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Corey Evans, 23. Cole Forbes
Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris 2. Brodie McAlister 3. George Dyer 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi 5. Josh Lord 6. Simon Parker 7. Kaylum Boshier 8. Luke Jacobson (c) 9. Xavier Roe 10. Josh Jacomb 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo 12. Quinn Tupaea 13. Daniel Rona 14. Leroy Carter 15. Damian McKenzie
Bench: 16. Bradley Slater 17. Aidan Ross 18. Reuben O'Neill 19. Tupou Vaa'i 20. Samipeni Finau 21. Cortez Ratima 22. Anton Lienert-Brown 23. Emoni Narawa
