The Chiefs are back atop the SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific ladder after an emphatic 46-10 win over the Highlanders in Hamilton.
Still smarting from last week's upset loss to NSW Waratahs, the Chiefs ground their way to a 13-10 half time lead before breaking the Highlanders apart with a sparkling 17-minute burst that yielded four tries.
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Flanker Kaylum Boshier bagged his maiden five-pointer and then another while Leroy Carter and Samipeni Finau also crossed the whitewash to rocket the Chiefs ahead 41-10 before the hour mark.
Samisoni Taukei'aho's 75th minute try stretched the margin out to 36 points, belying what was a hard-fought opening half.
Earlier, it was Emoni Narawa with the first five pointer before former Brumby Sefo Kautai pegged the margin back for the visiting Highlanders with Damian McKenzie and Cameron Millar trading penalties for a 10-all score line after 30 minutes.
McKenzie's second penalty goal pressed the hosts' half time advantage before orchestrating 33 unanswered points in a lop-sided second stanza that signalled his return to form.
"We had our opportunities in the first half … they're a good 'Landers side defensively and hard to break down," McKenzie told Sky Sports post-game.
"I couldn't get any worse (after last week) .. we were disappointed last week and beaten by a better side. We were a lot better tonight."
