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Chiefs stave off Hurricanes in deluge to maintain perfect start
By Nicholas McGee
Chiefs made it three wins from three at the start of the 2017 Super Rugby campaign by seeing off defending champions Hurricanes 26-18.
Hurricanes had seen their title defence begin with two successive wins but they were unable to recover in wet conditions after falling 17-6 behind in a first half that saw Ardie Savea and Michael Fatialofa sin-binned.
Brodie Retallick crashed over from close range and Toni Pulu touched down from a kick to give Chiefs a comfortable advantage at the break.
TJ Perenara went over for Hurricanes first try in the 64th minute but, though Julian Savea also crossed for the visitors, the boot of Damian McKenzie had helped Chiefs maintain a healthy lead and he had the final say with a fourth penalty as a dramatic late comeback failed to materialise.
Chiefs are now top of the New Zealand Conference and Australasian Group.
Meanwhile, Brumbies claimed their first win of the season, snatching a late 25-17 victory over Western Force.
Brumbies trailed 17-13 with under 10 minutes to play but the game turned when Ross Haylett-Petty was sin-binned for a late hit on Joe Powell.
Kyle Godwin scored seven minutes from time to edge Brumbies in front - Wharenui Hawera converting - and Robbie Abel made absolutely sure of triumph in the final minute with Brumbies' fourth try.
What a win against a tough Force side!!
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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