The new Super Rugby Pacific season has begun with a thrilling encounter.

Following a trio of high-scoring matches to kick off the campaign, the Chiefs showcased their physicality and resilience in a hard-fought 25-14 victory over the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.

In a rematch of last year’s grand final, the contest had all the hallmarks of a round-one clash, with both sides lacking the fluidity and accuracy they would have preferred. However, the Chiefs, who defended superbly throughout before surging ahead in the second half, were well-deserved winners.

Second-Half Surge Seals Chiefs' Victory

A mistimed tackle from Blues replacement prop Josh Fusitu’a on Chiefs loose forward Samipeni Finau in the 62nd minute proved to be the turning point. The visitors wasted no time capitalising on the opportunity, with Leroy Carter crossing the line shortly after to give the Chiefs their first lead since Damian McKenzie’s opening penalty in the 13th minute.

McKenzie then sealed the victory with his second try of the night, ensuring the Chiefs slammed the door shut on their hosts.

It was a fiercely contested match, with neither side given an easy ride. Both teams had their moments in the collisions and with ball in hand, making for a vastly different spectacle compared to last season’s grand final.

While the Blues, under Vern Cotter, have made their mark with a bruising, physical style, they looked most dangerous when they shifted the ball wide. Beauden Barrett injected himself effectively from fullback, A.J. Lam attacked with intent, and the wingers combined well.

Standout Performances on Both Sides

Dalton Papali’i was outstanding for the hosts, delivering high-impact tackles, competing aggressively at the breakdown, and continuing his streak of scoring in round one—his 29th-minute try marking three consecutive seasons in which he has crossed in the opening match.

Lock Laghlan McWhannell, given the nod to partner Patrick Tuipulotu following Sam Darry’s season-ending injury, impressed defensively. One of his standout moments was a perfectly executed legs tackle to halt a charging McKenzie inside the 22.

McKenzie, starting at fullback, was everywhere for the Chiefs—attacking the line effectively, kicking well, and making smart decisions. Lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi made the most of his starting opportunity, while sevens convert Leroy Carter showcased his ability to create something out of nothing, marking him as one to watch.

Match Recap

McKenzie got the scoring underway with a penalty in the 13th minute after the Chiefs’ rolling maul attempts came up short. As the rain started to fall, sending a portion of the crowd scrambling for cover, the Blues responded with a try from Papali’i, capitalising on a well-defended rolling maul attempt from the Chiefs.

Another McKenzie penalty closed the gap to one point before a Papali’i turnover ignited a counterattack, culminating in Lam’s try out wide to give the Blues a 14-6 lead at half-time.

With one of the strongest benches in recent memory—six of the eight replacements boasting All Blacks caps—the Chiefs began making substitutions in the 50th minute, which coincided with them taking the lead through McKenzie’s first try.

Scrum-half Cortez Ratima, who replaced Xavier Roe after a solid outing, played a crucial role in stopping what looked like a certain try for Mark Tele’a. Ratima did just enough to prevent Tele’a from grounding the ball on his first attempt, forcing the Blues winger to slide out before he could complete the try.

At that point, the momentum was firmly with the Chiefs. When Fusitu’a was sent to the sin bin, the visitors pounced.

Carter, after an impressive individual performance, was rewarded with the go-ahead try as the Chiefs stretched the Blues’ defence, allowing the winger to cross the line unchallenged.

Although the Blues were restored to their full complement with eight minutes remaining, McKenzie’s second try put the result beyond doubt, capping off a superb second-half performance in which the Chiefs held their opponents scoreless.

Final Score

Chiefs 25 (Damian McKenzie 2, Leroy Carter tries; McKenzie 2 conversions, 2 penalties)

Blues 14 (Dalton Papali’i, A.J. Lam tries; Beauden Barrett 2 conversions)

Half-Time: 6-14

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.