The Chiefs snuck past a fired-up Rebels today in a tight match that almost escaped them.
The match started fast, with Damian McKenzie pulling the strings as he flung the ball from side to side, before setting himself up for the Chief’s first three-point opportunity at goal.
However, the game wasn’t going to be all straightforward for the league challengers. Just three minutes later the Rebels pulled off the perfect team try. Mixing up the direction of play and utilising an impressive selection of hands, the ball found its way out to Glen Vaihu on the wing as he broke through the first tackle to touch it down.
TOUGH STUFF from Glen Vaihu 💪#SuperRugbyPacific #REBvCHI pic.twitter.com/nN6eEGmiwB
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 17, 2024
It’s not easy keeping the Chiefs down, as Kevin Foote’s team found out when giant lock Tupou Vaa’i thundered over for his side’s first try of the match.
Building upon their lead, shortly after the halftime break, hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho also touched down to take his side clear of the struggling Rebels pack.
In a match that looked dead and buried heading towards the latter stages, the Rebels managed to allow their free flowing backs some space to play, ending up with two almost identical tries from winger Lachie Anderson to tie the match.
Lachie Anderson finds his spot out wide!#SuperRugbyPacific #REBvCHI pic.twitter.com/SzOryTZXP5
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 17, 2024
Not allowing for their hard work to be totally undone, the dominant Chiefs pack worked well in attack, eventually creating an attacking penalty on the Rebels line. After a perfect day from the boot, Chiefs fly half Damian McKenzie wasn’t likely to miss the clutch penalty – completing the win for the Chiefs.
Rebels 23 – 26 Chiefs
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