The Chiefs produced a dominant display to thrash Moana Pasifika 62-17 in Round 9 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, with centre Quinn Tupaea leading the charge.
Tupaea was in outstanding form, scoring two tries and setting up two more in a one-sided contest.
Winger Kyren Taumoefolau also crossed twice as the Chiefs briefly moved to the top of the table ahead of the Hurricanes-Blues clash.
The Chiefs’ backline proved too strong early on, with Tupaea opening the scoring after a slick attacking move involving Liam Coombes-Fabling.
Tupaea then turned provider, combining with Damian McKenzie to set up Samipeni Finau as the visitors raced to a 19-0 lead.
Despite several opportunities, Moana Pasifika were unable to break through, with prop Paula Latu twice held up over the line.
The Chiefs continued their dominance, with Tupaea grabbing his second try just before half-time to extend the lead to 26-0.
Moana Pasifika’s struggles were compounded when Tom Savage was yellow-carded following a head clash, reducing the hosts to 14 men.
McKenzie added further gloss to the scoreline late in the match, bringing up his 44th Super Rugby try and surpassing 1,500 career points.
He now closes in on Morne Steyn and Beauden Barrett on the all-time scoring list, with Dan Carter still leading.
Former Chief Solomon Alaimalo managed to get Moana Pasifika on the board midway through the second half, but it did little to halt the Chiefs’ momentum.
Taumoefolau added his second soon after, followed by a try to Josh Jacomb as the Chiefs brought up 50 points.
Moana Pasifika scored two late consolation tries, but the result was never in doubt as the Chiefs secured a bonus-point victory.
The win sees the Chiefs remain among the competition leaders heading into next week’s clash with the Hurricanes, while Moana Pasifika will look to bounce back against the NSW Waratahs in Round 10.
