Chiefs welcome scratchy victory

Chief's winger Anthony Tahana scored twice as his team put away the Stormers at Mt Maunganui on Saturday night after coming back from a 14-7 deficit at halftime. Phil Walter / Getty Images

Chiefs 30 Stormers 20

What reaction do you expect from the Chiefs after their scratchy win over the Stormers?

They were not about to go into any public excuses, not after good performances in previous matches went unrewarded.

While the victory at Mt Maunganui was a stuttering Saturday night's work, it allowed the Chiefs to tick another win in their campaign to catch the series front-runners.

"That was important for us," coach Ian Foster said. "After playing well and coming away with close losses, it was a much better feeling not playing so well but getting a close win."

Another South African opponent looms for the Chiefs on Friday when they return to Hamilton to host the Cheetahs.

It will be the third successive game against teams from the Republic and that schedule is taking its toll.

Fullback Mils Muliaina and midfielder Mark Ranby are the latest casualties. Both have leg injuries and Ranby's hamstring problem, allied to David Hill's calf injury, means the Chiefs will need a midfield replacement.

Muliaina's groin injury means he is likely to miss the Cheetahs match, joining other absentees Sione Lauaki, Deacon Manu, Hill and Ranby.

"Sione had a major pec muscle injury in his chest. Most of the medicos have not seen this type of injury before so we are taking a very cautious line with him," said Foster.

So too in assessing the Cheetahs, who have been well beaten in their latest outings against the Brumbies and Crusaders.

"In their first four or five games they were formidable. They played with all the passion and enthusiasm that made them Currie Cup champions, Foster said.

"They have started well in the last three games but have run into some pretty tough opposition."

Things were looking a bit grim for the Chiefs on Saturday, before replacement local wing Anthony Tahana scored twice as his side increased the pace in the final quarter.

The Chiefs' lineout with Bernie Upton competed well, but scrum problems put halfback Byron Kelleher under pressure with a consequent lack of consistent rhythm in the backline. His passing was scrappy and his play lacked sting.

However, centre Niva Ta'auso was impressive with his direct approach and ability to find teammates with his offloads.

His power and timing hurt the Stormers' rush defence and his effort showed how much the Chiefs missed him after he suffered extensive ankle damage in the opening game of the season.

The Stormers held an unlikely 14-7 halftime lead but conceded it with 12 minutes left when Stephen Donald kicked a penalty.

Incredibly, his opposite Peter Grant then missed a penalty in front to tie the game before Donald's precision crossfield kick allowed Tahana to regather in behind the defence for the decisive try.