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Hat-trick Chiefs a major force
The Chiefs juggernaut rolls on with Ian Foster's side claiming a perfect three from three on the road, their latest win coming at the expense of the Western Force.
The Chiefs brushed off a third quarter revival from the Force to storm to a 37-19 win in Perth on Sunday morning (NZ time).
Added to the wins over the Sharks and Lions in South Africa this has been a sensational start to the campaign from a side that are traditionally sluggish out of the blocks.
Their homecoming party against the Reds in Hamilton on Friday night should be some occasion.
This is a Chiefs outfit oozing confidence.
The progress they have made over the past 12 months has been quite remarkable and was there for all to see in Perth. The lineout, last season's Achilles heel, has become a real strength this year with two steals responsible for two sensational tries that set up this win.
The Chiefs showed great composure in oppressive heat to claim this latest victory.
At one stage the Force came back to 12-13 just after halftime. But the Chiefs turned up the pace to run out deserved winners.
They even managed to strike late for an invaluable bonus point try. That gives them 14 points on the road and a platform to make a strong push for the semifinals.
Their scrum is in good shape, their attacking play looks as sharp as ever and they have a bit of firepower to come in the form of skipper Mils Muliaina waiting at home.
Last night Lelia Masaga celebrated his return from shoulder surgery to produce a powerful second half performance that resulted in one superb try and almost another.
On top of that they have Stephen Donald in sensational goalkciking form, landing seven from eight in this match to go with his perfect dozen the week before.
Donald and James O'Connor traded early penalties to get the game under way.
Early attacks were thwarted by some handling errors from both teams but the Chiefs showed their ever-present danger at the end of the first quarter with a lineout steal on their own 22. Brendon Leonard kicked and regathered to start a sweeping movement downfield for hooker Hika Elliot to finish off.
Donald goaled again for a 13-3 lead but Brett Sheehan got three points back for the home side with a 50m penalty just before the break to make it 13-6 at halftime.
The Chiefs made a sloppy start to the second half as they conceded two penalties to let the Force back into the match.
Donald got them back on track with his steady boot and then Masaga sprung to life with a sensational try when he was given a touch of space from good breaks by Dwayne Sweeney and Callum Bruce off a lineout turnover.
Masaga almost got over again with some solo magic. But the Chiefs' pressure told when big No 8 Colin Bourke crashed over from a five-metre scrum.
The Chiefs went hunting for the bonus point but conceded an intercept try to Ryan Cross.
But their persistence paid off when young replacement Tim Nanai-Williams ducked over from the base of a ruck close to the Force line with time almost up.
It was mission accomplished for Foster's troops. Now they have to cash in at home.
Western Force 19: Ryan Cross try; James O'Connor con, 3 pen; Brett Sheehan pen.
Chiefs 37: Hika Elliot, Lelia Masaga, Colin Bourke, Tim Nanai-Williams tries; Stephen Donald 4 con, 3 pen.
Half Time: 6-13
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/s...-a-major-force
---------- Post added at 21:17 ---------- Previous post was at 21:14 ----------
Chiefs prove too strong for the Western Force, winning 37-19 in Perth
Western Force put up an early fight before they were blown away by a powerful Chiefs outfit 37-19 at ME Bank Stadium in Perth.
After trailing by just a point early in the second half, the potent Chiefs lineup finally clicked into gear in oppressive heat to storm to their third win in as many games this season.
Hooker Hika Elliott scored the only try of the first half before Lelia Masaga, Colin Burke and Tim Nanai-Williams crossed in the second period to earn the Chiefs a four-try bonus point.
Centre Ryan Cross scored a consolation try for the home side in the 75th minute, but the Force's attack looked toothless throughout the match.
The wounded Force remain winless this season and it looks like a long year ahead for John Mitchell's men.
The Chiefs, fresh from their record 72-65 win over the Lions last weekend, will head back to the Waikato after a successful three-game tour of South Africa and Australia.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23210,00.html