The Waikato Chiefs delivered an astonishing performance with an 85-7 victory over Moana Pasifika on Saturday, reclaiming the top position in the Super Rugby Pacific standings after a week off. With this commanding bonus-point win, the Chiefs now hold a one-point lead over the Crusaders.
Under the coaching of Clayton McMillan, the Chiefs showcased their attacking prowess, highlighted by hat-tricks from Leroy Carter and Cortez Ratima. The scoring commenced with Shaun Stevenson finding the try line in the eighth minute, setting the tone for an explosive first half. Contributions from Tupou Vaa’i, Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, and Damien McKenzie allowed the Chiefs to surge ahead.
In the second half, Carter added three tries to his tally, while Ratima and hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho also contributed, cementing a thorough and dominant display.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders secured a narrow 15-12 victory against the Highlanders, propelling them to second place in the standings. The Highlanders initially led with two tries from Jonah Lowe and Taine Robinson, but a late surge led by Tamaiti Williams clinched the victory for the Crusaders.
The Wellington Hurricanes also secured their playoff position with a nail-biting 31-27 win against the Queensland Reds, with Fehi Fineanganofo scoring the decisive try. Simultaneously, the NSW Waratahs kept their playoff hopes alive with a dramatic win over the Western Force in Super Time.
This emphatic victory for the Chiefs not only reaffirms their status as title contenders but also instills a sense of optimism for their upcoming matches. As the Super Rugby Pacific season nears its conclusion, fans can expect thrilling encounters and high-stakes competition, showcasing the resilience and skill of all teams involved.
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