The Chiefs and Hurricanes played to a 23-23 draw in a tense battle at the Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday. CRAIG LEWIS reports.
This was a typical New Zealand derby, physical and uncompromising, with neither side giving an inch.
There is no doubt that the Chiefs will be the far happier side after this result, though, with the draw at least ending a four-match losing streak, but there is sure to also be some disappointment that they let a seven-point half-time lead slip.
Noticeably, the Chiefs made a massive improvement on defence and enjoyed some key ascendancy at scrum time, which played a considerable part in preventing the Canes from getting their attacking game going. Ultimately, a share of the spoils was probably a fair reflection of the clash.
Before kick off, there was also a poignant moment, with the players from both the Chiefs and Hurricanes standing arm-in-arm as they held a minute’s silence for the victims of a tragic mass shooting in Christchurch that took place hours earlier.
Christchurch mosque shootings: Chiefs and Hurricanes Super Rugby teams hold minute’s silence for victims https://t.co/i06pG1I0TX pic.twitter.com/poCQX5fsG6
— Stuff (@NZStuff) March 15, 2019
Considering that the Chiefs came into this clash on the back of four successive defeats, they made the ideal start to proceedings when Anton Lienert-Brown charged down a kick, collected the ball and darted away to score within the opening couple of minutes.
Although the Hurricanes did hit back when centre Matt Proctor dotted down soon after, the Chiefs found a response of their own as Damian McKenzie finished off an opportunistic try on the quarter-hour mark. It was another indicator that the Canes were in for a real scrap.
Before the break, McKenzie slotted over a couple of penalties as the Chiefs continued to build in confidence and belief, while establishing a handy 20-13 half-time lead.
