Chiefs beat Waratahs 39-15 in Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final in Hamilton

At FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton: Chiefs 39 (Brad Weber tries 6min, 64min, Luke Jacobson tries 22min, Alex Nankivell tries 34min, Pita Gus Sowakula tries 71min; Bryn Gatland 4 con, 2 pen) Waratah’s 15 (Dylan Pietsch tries 8min, Will Harris tries 46min; Tane Edmed con, pen). HT: 27-10.

The Chiefs have won their first final match in five years and another Australian side has been biting the dust.

After an emphatic first half, Hamilton’s hosts came out victorious over the Waratahs 39-15 in their Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final on Saturday night.

In what was their first playoffs home game since their last title win in 2013, the Chiefs duly gave the 10,121 at FMG Stadium Waikato enough to believe lifting the silverware this year is still within their reach with a five-to-one. -two display that sets them up for a likely trip to Christchurch next weekend for a semi-final against the Crusaders.

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Captain Brad Weber scored two quality tries, in his second game back from a broken thumb Brodie Retallick was an immense physical presence with several big hits, fellow All Black Quinn Tupaea was again strong and consistent across the win line, while Bryn Gatland’s goalkeeper shoes were in good shape. form by adding 14 points from the tee.

His opponent, Tane Edmed, on the other hand, missed two penalties and a conversion as the Waratahs, after scoring a try-of-the-season contender early in the second period in fighting a deficit of 27- 10, became their own. worst enemy with multiple handling errors putting an end to all hopes they build phase pressure.

The Chiefs had beaten the Tahs 51-27 in the Super Round in Melbourne six weeks ago, but the Sydneysiders had since knocked down two Kiwi sides, and nearly four, on their way to sixth on the ladder since, and were seen as dangerous considered. quick starters.

Instead, it was the hosts who came out of the gates quickly, a 10-0 lead after just half a dozen minutes, thanks to Weber’s super wave after a long lineout throw and Gatland in-pass.

The visitors quickly hit back with a sensational score to Dylan Pietsch, who clung to a Ben Donaldson grubber in the left corner, and by the quarter mark everything was square again.

But the Chiefs then absolutely had the 20 minutes to break, they fed with power, kicked smartly, camped at the end of the Tahs and duly made 17 unanswered runs.

Striking again from a lineout trick play that Clayton McMillan loves so much, they didn’t send a jumper up, quickly made a maul and Luke Jacobson spun across the line with surprisingly ease.

A dozen minutes later, with the Tahs making an absolute meal of a spinning scrum ball near their line, with Edmed sending a quirky long ball and Donaldson and Mark Nawaqanitawase both fidgeting, Alex Nankivell went on to score.

Trailing 17, the visitors needed something smart, and they certainly got it with their stunning attempt on the field in the 46th minute. As the Chiefs were on the rise, Harry Johnson-Holmes snapped a turnover, fed Captain Michael Hooper, who found Will Harris, and the No. 8 went on a stunning 65-yard dash with Nankivell unable to reel him in.

However, a rising turnover count (16-9) ultimately cost the Tahs.

When their chance came, the Chiefs struck duly, with some nice quick hands and a beautiful Jonah Lowe winning over Weber for his double, before Pita Gus Sowakula dug in to seal the result.

The big moment

The opportunistic attempt by Alex Nankivell in the 34th minute. The Waratahs were still in it at 17-10, but chose to fancied a scrum within their 22m and it exploded spectacularly in their face.

Agreement Review

7/10: There was plenty to enjoy, in the perfect conditions, with some big hits, eye-catching attempts – the two of the Waratahs were arguably the two best in the game – although the quality and flow decreased in the second period.

The big picture

The Chiefs are now gearing up for a trip to Christchurch for a semi-final against the Crusaders – assuming the Blues are responsible for the Highlanders later on Saturday. Should the Landers cause a major shock, the Chiefs will be back home next weekend to receive the Brumbies or Hurricanes.

MVP

Chiefs lock down Brodie Retallick. In his second game back from a broken thumb, the All Blacks veteran showed how important he is at this time of year, leaving the Waratahs hurting with a stiff defense.