The Chiefs brushed off an early Waratahs charge to deliver a 38-22 win at Allianz Stadium.
It was the perfect response by Clayton McMillan's side after a tough loss to the Hurricanes whilst the Waratahs will be disappointed they couldn't build off an early 12-0 lead.
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So what did we learn?
Damian McKenzie keeps lapping the prospective All Blacks tens' field as he delivered a beautiful night of playmaking for the Chiefs.
His passing game was crisp all night, hitting Emoni Narawa with a great looping ball to level the scores right before the break.
He looked threatening with his chips in behind, giving the Waratahs headaches all night.
With Stephen Perofeta on the sidelines and Richie Mo’unga in Japan, there’s no doubt who should be Scott Robertson’s first choice come July if the eligibility laws remain the same.
The Waratahs will lament two passages of play after scoring, which ultimately gave the Chiefs the win.
They dominated the game to lead 14-0 in the first quarter but as soon as the Chiefs smelt their 22, Shaun Stevenson dived over the line.
It gave them momentum and when the ‘Tahs went to mount a comeback, some soft defence allowed Cortez Ratima to waltz over the line to extend their lead.
These moments are the bread and butter of Kiwis' sides - punishing their Aussie counterpart where there’s a slight dip in concentration after a big moment.
The Waratahs’ front row can’t catch a break in 2024.
Already down seven of their contracted front-row, a cork to Hayden Thompson-Stringer was the last thing Darren Coleman needed. During the game, Tom Ross suffered a MCL injury, fighting through the pain for 50 minutes before he was removed from the field.
It forced Harry Johnson-Holmes back to loosehead and meant they had a Shute Shield-level front row to come off the bench, leaving Johnson-Holmes to play 76 minutes.
Julian Heaven wasn’t contracted at the start of the year but he’s been one of the finds of the year, scoring a great try to open the game.
However, the lack of depth was exposed as the All-Black-quality Chiefs front-rowers dictated the set-piece game, stealing several lineouts and getting the upper hand at scrum time.
Shaun Stevenson’s joy after scoring the Chiefs opener was instantly taken away when he suffered a cruel hamstring injury.
The breakout star of 2023 has had a mixed 2024 but his try to beat Tane Edmed and score was some of his best work of the year.
Unfortunately, it was his last involvement when he pulled up grimacing as he dived over the line.
It’s a tough blow for a player who will be so crucial to the Chiefs’ title campaign.
Samipeni Finau is developing a real distinction as Super Rugby’s enforcer.
Finau levelled Tane Edmed with a brutal shot in the opening couple of minutes, leaving the flyhalf gasping for air on the ground.
It was pretty simultaneous but Finau’s reputation precedes himself after late shots on Tom Lynagh and Noah Lolesio amongst other young tens, leading to a divided online opinion.
