Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick prepares to offload against the Blues in Hamilton. Photo / Photosport
Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick prepares to offload against the Blues in Hamilton. Photo / Photosport
Flying under the radar coming into the season, the Chiefs are continuing to show their knack for finding a way to win.
Down by five points inside the final 10 minutes of their match against the Blues in Hamilton on Saturday night, a late penalty try saw the home sidewalk away with a 21-19 win.
In claiming their fifth straight win, the Chiefs did something they've done for the majority of the year – addressed what it would take to close out a win and got it done.
Against the Blues, not letting frustration get the better of them was key, captain Sam cane said.
"There was a bit of frustration that we were creating opportunities and not finishing them off," Cane said. "It felt like sometimes we weren't getting the calls that we really wanted...frustration can creep in but you can't let it dominate your thoughts."
Chiefs captain Sam Cane has led the team to a 5-1 start to the Super Rugby season. Photo / Photosport
The Chiefs could easily have given into frustrations on more than one occasion in recent weeks, however their mental toughness has been key since their only loss in their opening game of the season.
In their home opener against the Bulls in week five of the competition, the Hamilton-based club found themselves 28-14 down at the half, while in week seven against the Highlanders it took a 69th minute Sean Wainui try followed by an immense defensive effort to close out the win.
Both the match against the Highlanders and Saturday night's encounter against the Blues came down to the leaders and how they would take charge to lead the team through. For the Chiefs, their leadership group – fronted by loose forward Sam Cane – has passed with flying colours.
"I've got a bunch of leaders in the group that dig deep, and their experience and their calmness really showed in the second half," Chiefs coach Colin Cooper said after the match against the Blues.
"There was a bit of stress there but to see Sam in control and bring the ship home - the waka home if you like - it was a fantastic effort by the players.
"With a captain like this who just brings the ship to calmness to get ready to battle again, having the patience, I think that was the difference."
With 10 matches left in their season, it might be a touch premature to lock them in as a sure playoff team - but that title isn't far away.
The Chiefs have four remaining New Zealand derbies - two against the Hurricanes and one each against the Highlanders and Crusaders - and still face a trip to South Africa for back to back matches against the Stormers and Sharks. These matches look pivotal in their campaign and could be telling come week 19.
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