Chiefs see progress despite loss

by Craig Tiriana | 6th February 2010

Stand-in skipper Sione Lauaki would have preferred a win but he's happy with the Chiefs' pre-season progress as they head to South Africa tomorrow.

The Chiefs lost all three pre-competition games during the last few weeks to the Highlanders, Blues and Hurricanes but will start the Super 14 largely intact with no major injuries in the squad.

"Personally, I'm happy. I feel like we've put some of the puzzle together and we're not going over to South Africa to see where we're at. We're going to get some points," Lauaki said following his side's 17-12 loss to the Hurricanes in Rotorua yesterday.

"A win would have been nice, but there was nothing much in the game, with both teams trying a few things. We talked a lot about our defence today and the attitude was good."

The match was played mid-afternoon in stifling heat at the Chiefs' request to help them get a leg up on the hot conditions expected for their opening game against the Sharks in South Africa next weekend.

A squad of 26 leaves tomorrow, leaving behind two players - Mils Muliaina (on leave) and Steamers winger Lelia Masaga, who is recovering from shoulder surgery.

Former All Black Lauaki will captain the Chiefs in Muliana's absence, and the travelling party is expected to be named today once a roll call is taken.

Lock Kevin O'Neill (bruised) and loose forward Colin Bourke (ribs) missed yesterday's hit-out.

Lauaki relished his leadership role and turned in a busy match before being subbed 15 minutes into the second spell.

The bullocking No 8 handled the ball frequently, setting up one try and scoring the other as the Chiefs favoured a close-quarter attack.

It was a typically messy affair. The first half featured frequent interruptions by referee Bryce Lawrence for infringements or dropped balls as the Hurricanes led the scoring two tries to one.

Flanker Karl Lowe snatched a late intercept try to hand the Hurricanes the win.

Lowe's 70m try made the difference after the Chiefs had turned around a 10-7 halftime deficit through a try to Lauaki.

The Hurricanes' first-half lead was built around unconverted tries to outside back Tamati Ellison and flanker Scott Waldrom, while flanker Tanerau Latimer snared the Chiefs' lone first-half score.

Mike Delany started at fullback and moved into his favoured first-five when Stephen Donald was subbed. Delany's first touch was memorable for the wrong reasons as it was his pass that was poached by Lowe.

Scores: Hurricanes 17 (Tamati Ellison, Scott Waldrom, Karl Lowe tries; Aaron Cruden conversion) Chiefs 12 (Tanerau Latimer, Sione Lauaki tries; Stephen Donald conversion). Halftime: 10-7 Hurricanes.