Top vs. bottom? You wouldn’t know it from the scoreline.
The Chiefs have held onto the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, however, they had to dig deep against the Blues – eventually prevailing 32-31 after several lead changes – with both sides having multiple opportunities to win the game in the closing stages.
It was even better when considering that the Blues – bottom of the ladder at the time of the match – pushed the current ladder leaders all the way at home, yet another indication of the competitiveness of the competition in 2025.
Both sides had several late scratchings, with the Chiefs losing Anton Lienert-Brown before kick-off, while the Blues took the field without Cameron Suafoa.
The hosts got on the board in the 13th minute thanks to a stunning pair of hands from Shaun Stevenson – leading to Daniel Rona scoring the first try.
The Blues struck back through AJ Lam, but Damian McKenzie quickly got the hosts back in front, taking advantage of some lapsed Blues defence.
Mark Tele’a would have the last laugh of the first half, scoring a brilliant try in the corner on the bell to see the hosts head into the half with a 15-12 lead.
However, the floodgates opened in the second half, and the Blues got underway with Corey Evans scoring right at the start of the second half.
The Chiefs took control shortly afterwards, with several stunning long-range efforts to Cortez Ratima and Tupou Vaa’i.
However, in the final twenty minutes, the Blues looked like the side of last year, scoring two tries of their own to Renata and Rieko Ioane.
Tupou Vaa’i. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)
With only a Damian McKenzie penalty goal separating the sides, Xavi Taele had the chance to take the lead in the final stages, only to hit the posts and miss.
Cortez Ratima cut a relieved figure following the final whistle, taking time to praise the current champions – despite their disappointing start to the season.
“They’re a quality side; they loaded the bench for a reason,” said the All Black halfback.
“We knew they were going to come home strong.
“I’m just happy with how the boys stayed in the fight, stuck to the plan, and got the win.”