Chiefs 43 Reds 21 A return to knockout rugby has brought the best out of the Chiefs. Earning quarter-final hosting rights by claiming the fourth seed after a solid regular season, the Chiefs’ clash with the Reds in Hamilton was tipped by many to be the game to watch of the round. But within 20 minutes, the Chiefs had all but put it to bed.
Outscoring the clock through the opening 24 minutes set the hosts up to claim a 43-21 win in what was arguably their best outing for the season so far, smothering the visitors defensively and putting the foot down on attack. While the Chiefs finished with a 9-5 record for the season, this was a performance to remind everyone of what they’re capable of when firing on all cylinders. “We’ve got a lot of belief,” captain Luke Jacobson told Sky Sport after the game.
“I think we’re priming at the right time. We’re starting to peak. You don’t need to do it during the season; it matters in the finals and that’s all we’re aiming for.
” Defensively, the Chiefs were immense. Ten players in the starting lineup made double-digit tackles – led by Jacobson’s 23 – while they were working hard to either get hands on the ball at the breakdown or push over the top with their counter-ruck. Tupou Vaa’i and Samipeni Finau shone with their impact defensively, rookie Wallace Sititi looked every part a seasoned Super Rugby player on both ends, while Samisoni Taukei’aho bagged a double in the first half – just the second game he ha.
