Both teams imposed earlier penalties. Chiefs winger Leroy Carter then ran for a long time and passed to Emoni Narawa, who scored on his first attempt. The Highlanders answered through Sosefo Kautai’s attempt after a break from defender Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Scores are 10-10.
The Chiefs scored another free throw and led 13-10 at the end of the half. They have more balls to keep the Highlanders busy with defense.
In the second half, the Chiefs made five attempts. Carter scored after Quinn Tupaea’s clever kick. Kaylum Boshier scored twice, once from the rolling Maul and once after passing the ball from Brodie McAlister. Damian McKenzie played Samipeni Finau on the field, who tried again.
Mackenzie also kicked five conversions and two penalty. Carter and Narawa performed well on the wings. Boshier’s two attempts show the power of the Chiefs’ striker.
The Highlanders made a mistake in the second half and were unable to score. Captain Hugh Renton said: “They played better in the second half than we did. They made us mistakes and were tired.” The Chiefs will play the Western Force. The Highlanders will play the role of the Crusader
