Super Rugby: Chiefs look a well-drilled unit

LOCAL HERO: Reporoa's Sam Cane against the Blues last night in Rotorua. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 140214SP7

The Chiefs have set a good standard for the upcoming season after defeating a big-name Blues outfit 43-19 in their final pre-season match in Rotorua.

The Chiefs, strengthened by their All Blacks, dominated proceedings at Rotorua International Stadium last night in front of a good crowd.

The Chiefs played good attacking rugby and showed why they are strong contenders to win a third straight Super Rugby title this year.

However, Sam Cane scared the Chiefs coaching staff and fans when he was helped from the field in the first half.

He looked to suffer an ankle sprain and was given ice for his knee and ankle.

Chiefs forward Rhys Marshall drew first blood during the game, after his team worked their way into good field position.

Marshall picked the ball up close to the line and pushed his way over to open the scoring.

Aaron Cruden nailed the conversion to get things rolling for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs' second try, 20 minutes in, had the crowd roaring as hometown hero Liam Messam ran in to score.

The hard running co-captain received a good pass from Marshall 10m out before evading the Blues' broken defence.

However, if that try got the crowd going, the next one brought the house down.

Reporoa's favourite son Cane charged over to get his name on the score sheet.

Unfortunately, minutes later he was helped from the field injured.

The Blues didn't look to be in the game early on but a great individual try to Charles Piutau closed the gap before halftime.

Piutau found a bit of space down the sideline before regathering his own chip kick to score in the corner.

Moments later, Piutau was in again after the Blues managed to find some rhythm.

The Chiefs took a 24-12 lead into the break after Cruden added a penalty.

Whakatane superstar Benji Marshall was taken off after half time but re-appeared with 15 minutes to go.

He had a quiet game and looked a bit out of his depth in patches.

Meanwhile, Bay of Plenty player Carl Axtens made an appearance for the Chiefs early in the second half.

The Chiefs got off to a good start in the second half when Nick Crosswell snuck over to score.

The Chiefs were in again not long after, following a good passage of play.

James Lowe finished off the move getting a good pass down the right side.

Lowe had a hand in the Chiefs' third try of the second half as well, making a strong break before putting new recruit Robbie Fruean in some space. Fruean showed plenty of pace to finish off the try, dashing 30m to the line.

The Blues managed a consolation try through Jackson Willison but the match belonged to the Chiefs.

Result:
Chiefs 43 (Marshall, Messam, Cane, Crosswell, Lowe, Fruean tries; Cruden 5 con, 1 pen) Blues 19 (Piutau 2, Willison tries; Marshall 1 con, Noakes 1 con).
Halftime: 24-12.

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