The Chiefs have sent a message to the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific competition with a 85-7 thumping of Moana Pasifika.
Moana Pasifika went into the game looking to cement their finals hopes but were met by a blistering Chiefs attack.
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Winger Leroy Carter and scrumhalf Cortez Ratima finished the game with hat-tricks as they were dominant from the early moments of the game.
Shaun Stevenson opened the scoring in the eighth minute, cruising over the line for a five-pointer that would set the tempo for the rest of the game.
Lock Tupou Vaa’i crossed shortly afterwards before the hosts kicked into gear.
Ratima and Damian McKenzie crossed alongside centre Quinn Tupaea as they took a 31-0 lead into the break.
Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year Ardie Savea tried to inspire a comeback with a try in the 48th minute.
This only angered the Chiefs as Carter blitzed the opposition.
The winger scored three tries in the space of 16 minutes to blow the result well out of reach for the visitors.
Ratima then added two quick tries to complete his hat-trick as the Chiefs were rolling to victory.
Daniel Rona scored in the 74th minute as the Chiefs wrapped up top spot.
A penalty try sealed what was a near-perfect performance for the Chiefs, who are guaranteed a top-two finish.
They will face the Highlanders in Dunedin to finish the regular season, with the minor premiership wrapped up with a win.
Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika need a win and results to go their way if they wish for a maiden finals appearance.
