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Twitter in awe of 'astonishing' Chiefs defence
By Josh Raisey
The Chiefs held on for a gruelling 19-13 win against the Reds in Hamilton on Friday, thanks to one of the best defensive displays all season.
Colin Cooper’s side spent the best part of the last 10 minutes camped on their own line, and conceded a string of penalties, but refused to budge. The Reds threw everything at them, particularly with their penalty advantages, but the Chiefs’ forwards and backs held strong.
The Chiefs had to make a staggering 240 tackles in total, bringing the game to an end by holding the Reds up over the line. The final passage of play summed up how good New Zealand side were.
This was the reaction on Twitter after their performance:
This was a game perhaps where the Reds missed their leader and talisman Samu Kerevi, who was rested for this match. The team really lacked any penetration in the midfield, and that is something that the Wallabies inside centre can provide. He has been in fantastic form in recent weeks, and his absence highlighted what a key player he is for the Reds.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs, who have had a shaky season, will rue not showing such a belligerent defensive performance like this earlier in the season. The two-time champions have been on the end of some tight losses, as well as some heavy ones, this season, which would perhaps not have panned out that way if they showed the grit they did against the Queensland side.
The Chiefs’ performance may have had something to do with the return of Sam Cane, who started his first match since breaking his neck. While he came off on 50 minutes, he put in a very physical performance for someone that has been out with such a serious injury, and may have lifted his team.
Whatever the cause was of this inspired performance, this was a brilliant defensive display.
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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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