Rugby: Chiefs on track with strong win

Benji Marshall had a quiet game for the Blues against the Chiefs. Photo Getty
Benji Marshall had a quiet game for the Blues against the Chiefs. Photo Getty
The Chiefs showed they are on track this season, last night defeating the Blues 43-19 in their final pre-season match in Rotorua.

The Chiefs, strengthened by their All Blacks, dominated with good attacking rugby and showed why they are strong contenders to win a third straight Super Rugby title this year.

However, Sam Cane scared coaching staff and fans when he was helped from the field in the first half with an ankle sprain.

The injury came soon after Cane scored a storming try, the third to the Chiefs.

The Blues didn't look to be in the game early on but a great individual try to Charles Piutau closed the gap before halftime.

Piutau found a bit of space down the sideline before regathering his own chip kick to score in the corner.

Moments later, Piutau was in again after the Blues managed to find some rhythm.

It was the first passage of play which had any promise for the Blues, stringing a number of passes together before breaking down the Chiefs defence.

The Chiefs led 24-12 at the break.

Benji Marshall, who was taken off after halftime but reappeared with 15 minutes to go, had a quiet game and looked a bit out of his depth in patches.

The Chiefs got off to a good start in the second half when Nick Crosswell snuck over to score.

The Chiefs were in again not long after, following a good passage of play and dominated the spell with the Blues managing a consolation try to Jackson Willison.

 

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