Damian McKenzie masterclass sees Chiefs outlast Drua in Hamilton
The Chiefs and Fijian Drua entered their round four contest coming off two very different results, with the former having lost their first game of the season the week prior to the Reds and the Drua having just won their first game of the season against the Crusaders.
It was high-octane action in Hamilton and the Drua brought their trademark exciting play. While the visitors produced some exhilarating attacking efforts, it was the Chiefs who steadied the ship and grew into the game to run home with the win.
Early in the game, both teams struggled to retain possession with the breakdown offering a fierce contest.
When a contestable kick bounced off the shoulder of Damian McKenzie and fell at the feet of Iosefo Masi, the midfielder pinned his ears back and galloped away downfield in what has become a familiar sight for Super Rugby fans since the Olympic gold medallists’ debut last year.
Masi’s speed secured the first points of the game, with a try under the posts allowing Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula to easily convert.
Two minutes later, the Chiefs had a lineout just inside the Drua 22 and worked a move perfectly as Daniel Rona, playing on the right wing, burst through a gap and delivered the ball to Kaylum Boshier in support who went over untouched.
Damian McKenzie’s equally simple conversion saw the scores tied at the 10-minute mark.
Then, finally able to find some consistent phase play, the Chiefs benefitted by finding their rhythm and some shape on attack. It was just five minutes after their first try that Rameka Poihipi found a gaping hole in the Drua defence and had Cortez Ratima running inside him who finished a second Chiefs try.
The Drua then kicked into gear and put some phases together, quickly piling pressure on the Chiefs who gave away two penalties in quick succession, the latter of which game within their own 22 after some strong runs by the Drua.
Attacking just metres from the Chiefs line, a crisp Armstrong-Ravula pass saw Masi’s brilliant line rewarded and the centre swept in once more under the posts, levelling the scores again.
Both sides’ set piece functioned nearly flawlessly in the opening quarter. Then, with 25 minutes on the clock, a Chiefs scrum earned a penalty and the team opted for a penalty kick. McKenzie delivered his side the three-point lead.
The game was being played by both teams in strong attacking position, with exits and timely turnovers providing constant action.
The Chiefs extended their lead to 10 in the 33rd minute with a set tap play perfectly executed by Damian McKenzie, who swung back around the blindside with some company and delivered the wide cut-out pass to Daniel Rona who touched down in the corner.
The Drua looked to have the final say of the half after a Chiefs infringement handed Armstrong-Ravula a shot at three points, which the young flyhalf converted. Samipeni Finau had a chance to score soon after and dived for the corner but a TMO check revealed the ball was placed down on the sideline. The score remained 24-17 at the half.
The Chiefs were looking clinical and dangerous to begin the second 40, making metres off a lineout strike and then running in a try in the corner through Etene Nanai-Seturo.
Luke Jacobson looked to further his team’s momentum when he took out three Drua players at the ruck, opening it up for his team to steal the ball and attack once more. That opportunity went begging, and so too did the Drua’s ensuing play after going deep into phase play.
Another extended defensive stand from the Chiefs eventually came to an end when, backed onto their own try line, Samisoni Taukei’aho produced the breakdown steal.
The Chiefs had earned their next attacking opportunity and were playing with confidence. Damian McKenzie was orchestrating the attack with ambition and poise, and while there were a few missed opportunities, the pressure the Chiefs were applying earned penalties and afforded them multiple attempts. Kaylum Boshier eventually claimed his second try as a result.
The Drua weren’t done yet though and always have the power to break the gain line. On the Chiefs’ line, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta was picked out by Peni Matawalu and gleefully dived over the line.
Shaun Stevenson responded with some individual magic on a chip and chase which sat up for the fullback in a way that it only would for someone in his vein of form. His try saw the lead extended to 46-24.
The excitement kept coming for the Hamilton crowd and Damian McKenzie was pushed out as he dived for the try line in the corner. Selestino Ravutaumada sliced the Chiefs’ defence open soon after. Ollie Norris was yellow carded after repeated Chiefs infringements and the Drua capitalised on the one-man advantage to score in the corner after the final hooter. Final score: 46-29.
Comments on RugbyPass
Tamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
1 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to comments