The Western Force has been defeated 54-21 by the Chiefs at FMG Waikato Stadium in the Round 14 Super Rugby Pacific match.
The Force showed fight in a high-scoring contest, but it wasn’t to be, as the Chiefs ran out winners on home soil.
With the two teams engaging in a kicking battle in the early stages, it was the Chiefs who threatened the try line first in the ninth minute. A switch of play to the left wing from Chiefs flyhalf Bryn Gatland opened up space for Chase Tiatia, but Force winger Byron Ralston was on hand for a try-saving tackle.
Two minutes later the Chiefs opened the scoring with Quinn Tupaea crossing the line from a successful scrum five metres out. Kaleb Trask converted to open up a 7-0 lead for the hosts.
Despite a resolute defensive effort from the Force, the Chiefs scored their second and third converted tries, with Aidan Ross (24’) and Tupaea (29’) powering over (21-0).
The Force hit back, with former Chief Toni Pulu racing over following a pinpoint kick to the wing from Jake McIntyre in the 31st minute. Ian Prior converted to reduce the margin to 14 points (21-7).
Force rode the momentum from their opening try of the match by heaping sustained attacking pressure on the Chiefs defence in the closing stages of the first half.
Despite the late surge, the Force was unable to breach the try line for a second time, as the score remained 21-7 in favour of the Chiefs at half time.
After the break, the Chiefs continued the scoreboard pressure with tries to Tupaea (45’), Trask (48’) and Tupou Vaa’i (56’). Gatland converted two of the three to see the score read 40-7 with 22 minutes to play.
The Force refused to lie down and crossed over for their second try of the contest on the hour mark. Former All Black lock Jeremy Thrush showed great power to score his fourth try of the season, which Prior converted (40-14).
Samisoni Taukei’aho crossed over in the 65th minute, with Gatland converting (47-14).
Following a rapid breakaway run from winger Brad Lacey, fellow Western Australian Michael McDonald pierced the defensive line to score his first-ever Super Rugby try. The Palmyra player then converted in a memorable moment for the scrumhalf.
The Chiefs rounded out the scoring in the match, with Taukei’aho scoring his second in the 75th minute, which was converted by Gatland (54-21).
Congratulations to homegrown player Jackson Pugh (Palmyra), with the lock playing gallantly in his run-on debut.
It was fantastic to see Western Australian’s Kyle Godwin, Brad Lacey, Reesjan Pasitoa, McDonald and Pugh all share the field together.
Scorers
Chiefs: Tries: Quinn Tupaea (10’, 29’, 45’), Aidan Ross (24’), Kaleb Trask (48’), Tupou Vaa’i (56’), Taukei’aho (65, 75’). Conversions: Trask, Gatland (6).
Western Force: Tries: Toni Pulu (31’), Jeremy Thrush (60’), Michael McDonald (72’). Conversions: Ian Prior, Jake McIntyre, McDonald.
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