Updated May 05, 2012 20:02:29
The Chiefs moved back on top of the Super Rugby ladder following a 34-21 victory over the Lions in Pukekohe.
The hosts jumped back ahead of the Bulls on the overall standings and maintained their lead in the New Zealand conference with a four-tries-to-three triumph over a committed Lions outfit, who were beginning their Australasian tour.
The bonus point win lifts the Chiefs to 44 points, two in front of the Bulls, and it will act as the ideal preparation for next weekend's clash with defending champions Queensland in Brisbane.
Aaron Cruden again underlined his credentials as the long-term successor to Daniel Carter in the All Blacks with a superb all-round performance.
Cruden scored a try, set up another for winger Lelia Masaga and was perfect with his goalkcking as he slotted four conversions and two penalties for the Chiefs.
"We are pretty pleased we scored a few tries, but there were also a few lapses too and we let them run too much," Chiefs captain Craig Clarke said.
Half-back Brendon Leonard grabbed the bonus-point try following a speculative kick and chase.
The Chiefs success this season has been built on smothering defence and a much improved forward performance that has given Cruden the time to dictate play, which he did with composed efficiency against the Lions.
Coach Dave Rennie chose to rest several of the forwards that had helped the Chiefs to eight successive wins but it made little difference as the Hamilton-based side smashed into tackles and the breakdown on the way to equalling their most wins in a Super Rugby season.
They also won nine matches in 2009, when they finished runners-up to the Bulls, though with six matches remaining are almost certain to add to that total.
The Lions used their massive pack to score all three of their tries, with replacement lock Cobus Grobelaar bashing over twice from rolling mauls following attacking line-outs, while captain Joshua Strauss smashed over from in close.
Elton Jantjies converted all three tries, though the Lions played most of the match hemmed inside their own half and made too many errors in their execution.
"When we stuck to our game plan it worked for us but we gave them a lot of ball and they're a side that punishes you," Grobelaar said.
"We were playing a lot of catch-up rugby but the guys showed good character.
"We just need to work on our basics and there are things to improve."
Chiefs: 34 (A Cruden, C Clarke, L Masaga, B Leonard tries; A Cruden 4 cons, 2 pens)
Lions: 21 (C Grobbelaar (2), J Strauss tries; E Jantjies 3 cons)
ABC/Reuters
Tags: rugby-union,
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new-zealand First posted May 05, 2012 19:24:28
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