First take: Ref makes the right call

Referee Angus Gardner got it spot on when he sent off Force halfback Ian Pryor. Photo / Getty

Goodonya ref. It's a rare call in rugby these days but Angus Gardner got it spot on when he sent off Force halfback Ian Pryor for a tip tackle tonight against the Chiefs.

Rugby league seems to have relented on the issue since those awful initial weeks after Alex McKinnon was paralysed last year in a tip tackle while rugby, through its yellow and red cards has been able to deliver regular punishment for similar acts.

Plenty of other strong showings came as the Chiefs continued to put the chasing heat on the Hurricanes in the NZ conference.

Halfback Brad Weber was sharp again and is issuing a string of consistent work with his smart pass off either side and speed around the track.

Remind you of anyone? A touch of Aaron Smith certainly and someone who could deliver that style for the All Blacks if the top man is unavailable.

Then the selectors can pick TJ Perenara, Augustine Pulu or Andy Ellis for a variety in style as their third World Cup halfback.

Outside Weber, first five eighths Marty McKenzie had a solid first start ahead of younger brother Damian for the Chiefs as they juggle their plans without Aaron Cruden.

McKenzie was a Blues reject after 2013 and like similar discards Waisake Naholo and Malakai Fekitoa is making a strong impact for another franchise.

Fullback Tom Marshall is another sharp man for the Chiefs, a back without the bulk of many but like colleague Tim Nanai-Williams, he has the instincts, brilliant footwork, fitness and game sense to make a mess of many opponents. That's what the Chiefs are doing right now.