Chiefs runners torch the Western Force

The Waikato Chiefs have taken a blowfire torch to the Western Force, winning the Rugby Super 14 match 26-9 at Subiaco Oval in Perth tonight.

Both teams entered the match with a 0-2 record. The Chiefs were heading home with the Western stop-over to break up the long haul from South Africa, while the Force were last week swept aside by the Hurricanes in New Zealand.

The Chiefs went into the game as favourites, boasting several All Blacks. It was the home side, however, that wasted little time in attacking the line early. Cameron Shepherd booted three penalty goals while his opposing number Stephen Donald put two over from close range.

David Fitter was an early casualty, in the blood bin after five minutes. The Force were pleased to see him run back onto the park, after a near disastrous opening fortnight with two notable, Lachlan MacKay and Junior Pelesasa, season ending injuries.

Sitiveni Sivivatu had the honour of crossing for the first try of the night, the All Black international veteran of six Tests dived under the Force fullback James Hilgendorf to touch down in the left corner. Winger Scott Staniforth came inside which left a hole out wide.

A third penalty goal from Donald saw the Chiefs go into half time with a five-point lead, 14-9. The Chiefs were unlucky, in the 50th minute, with Sivivatu penalised after tackling Brock James, South African referee Craig Joubert considered the Chiefs winger to be offside.

The Chiefs capitalised on an unforced error kick. Sosene Anesi took the catch deep in his own half and immediately pounced on a lacklustre Force defense. Supported by fellow winger Sivivatu, who sprinted down the sideline and put outside centre Mark Ranby over.

Another Test veteran, Mils Muliaina, put the visitors closer to the bonus point when the Force defense was again found wanting. Both teams called on their reserves with 15 minutes to play. Centre Josh Graham, concussed in the first round, returned for Scott Daruda.

Agony and restless unease amongst the crowd of 29,239 as the Force again were pinned on their own line again.

After 80 minutes, however, it was the visitors lapping up the spoils of victory, though narrowly missing the four-try bonus point.

Chiefs inside centre Sam Tuitupou was award the man of the match honours, though try-scorer Siviatu, and Anesi, were amongst the best players.

Force Captain, Nathan Sharpe post-match said, “In the first half we got ourselves in a position to win but we just kept making simple errors that let us down.”

Next Round, the Chiefs host the Queensland Reds at Hamilton on Friday evening, while the Force have the bye – with the Reds, at Brisbane, to follow in a fortnight.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!