Chiefs out to end early struggles

HOT STEPPER: Ihaia West in action for Hawke's Bay against Wellington last season. He could be the Chiefs' secret weapon this season. Photo / Duncan Brown.

The Chiefs will head into their final pre-season fixture against the Blues looking to build on a disjointed performance against the Queensland Reds at Toowomba Sports Ground.

The Investec Super Rugby title favourites were far below their best in succumbing 31-20 in their first hit-out, but played a large number of players with an eye to the demands of a long season.

Ihaia West, Sam Cane and Jarrod Firth dotted down for the visitors against four tries from their counterparts.

Chiefs coach Wayne Smith said his side's early struggles come as no surprise.

"It was how we expected it to be and we took a while to get going, Smith said.

"It was important to give as many of the players a run as possible as it is a long competition, so we need to ensure our depth is strong.

"It was also good to test the combinations and we will learn from what we did do well and what we didn't do well."

The tactic is likely to continue during the side's only New Zealand pre-season game butt it would not surprise to see the coaches leave certain combinations on the field for slightly longer stints.

Tickets to the Valentine's Day match against the Blues at Rotorua International Stadium cost $15 for adults, $5 for under-15s and are free for children aged under five.

In a refreshing approach, families are being encouraged to bring home-made picnic lunches into the ground. Alcohol and commercially-branded takeaway food will not be allowed.

Gates open at 5pm.