Chiefs Manawa dig deep to hold out Blues and improve to 2-0 in Super Rugby Aupiki
Saturday, 9 March 2024
The Chiefs improve to 2-0 in Super Rugby Aupiki with victory over the Blues in Auckland.
A second-half score to replacement Chiefs forward Grace Kukatai proved the difference at Bell Park.
The Blues had their chances in the second half but could not break down the resolute defence of the visitors.
At Bell Park, Auckland: Chiefs Manawa 17 (Ruby Tui try 6min, Grace Steinmetz try 13min, Grace Kukutai try 56min; Renee Holmes con), Blues 10 (Tafito Lafaele try 44min, Mel Puckett try 51min). HT: 12-0.
Yellow card: Chyna Hohepa (Chiefs) 50min.
The Chiefs Manawa may have been late to the park, but they were very much on schedule with their performance as they dug in to eke out a hard-fought Super Rugby Aupiki victory over the Blues in Auckland.
The Chiefs only arrived at the suburban ground 20 minutes prior to kickoff after experiencing the vagaries of traffic driving into Auckland from the south, and required assistance from the home physio to get their strapping completed in time for kickoff.
But they dug in well with a surging start and an outstanding defensive effort to scrape out a three tries to two victory that improves them to 2-0 for the season and keeps their perfect record against their nearest neighbours intact. It was the Blues’ first defeat of the year after they had opened last week with an upset over Matatū.
The Blues offered plenty in a spirited clash, and dominated the contest for long periods, especially in the second half with the breeze at their backs. The home forwards, particularly, were impressive on the carry and around the breakdown, with standout efforts from prop Aldora Itunu, lock Maama Vaipulu and loosies Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Tafito Lafaele setting the tone. Power wing Katelyn Vahaakolo, midfielder Sylvia Brunt and busy halfback Mel Puckett were the pick of the backs.
The Chiefs scrum, with all that Black Ferns experience, held a decisive edge at the set piece and their defensive effort overall was outstanding as they soaked up plenty of pressure from a physical home side. Ruby Tui, with an expertly taken try, put in her usual busy shift on the right wing (but wearing 11), the visiting midfield of Grace Steinmetz and Mererangi Paul had their strong moments and Chelsea Semple, on the comeback trail after a maternity break, got through a half and a-bit efficiently in the No 10 position.
The visitors did well to shake off their travel issues and had much the better of the opening quarter, before digging deep on defence over the second part of the first half to take a 12-0 lead into the sheds, courtesy of tries to Tui and Steinmetz.
It was all the Chiefs early on as they started brilliantly at a point-a-minute clip, with Tui making short work of Jaymie Kolose wide on the right one on one, and Steinmetz showcasing her workrate as she finished a move she started by looping round outside fullback Renee Holmes for the finish.
The Blues worked their way back into the game with a second quarter they dominated, as only some desperate Chiefs defence kept them at bay. With home forwards Itunu, Grace Gago, Eloise Blackwell, Roos and Lafaele carrying strongly, they would have been disappointed to head into the break with nothing to show for two or three gilt-edged opportunities.
The balance shifted somewhat after the break. The Blues, with the stiff breeze at their backs, stormed into the contest with two unconverted tries inside the first dozen minutes, to No 8 Lafaele and halfback Puckett, to close to within two (12-10).
Then the decisive moment of the contest came shortly before the three-quarter mark. With Holmes kicking for the corner off a penalty, Blues fullback Patricia Maliepo attempted to prevent the ball from going into touch. However she succeeded only in tapping it infield, and replacement Chiefs loosie Grace Kukutai did extremely well on the follow to scoop up possession and cross for the decisive try.
The Blues had their chances over the final stages, and applied plenty of pressure with their physicality on the carry, and quality possession game. They looked to have put replacement halfback Kahlia Awa over late, but she was ruled to have bobbled on the pickup at a ruck, and the score was ruled out.