Chiefs celebrate a try in a big win over the Blues.
Photo: Blake Armstrong/Photosport
All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi has inspired the Chiefs to a stunning 59-34 Super Rugby Pacific victory over the Blues in Hamilton.
The Blues were chasing a home qualifying final when the playoffs start next week, but just couldn’t keep pace with the Chiefs in the second half.
In the end, the Chiefs ran in nine tries to five from the Blues.
Captaining the Chiefs for the first time, Sititi had a magnificent all-round game and scored a try, taking a quick penalty tap and catching the Blues defence napping.
Wing Daniel Sinkinson scored two tries for the victors.
The Blues led early and were down by just four points at halftime, and still in the contest in the 53rd minute at 26-20 – but then Chiefs cut loose.
The Blues suffered their third NZ derby loss in a row, after going down to the Crusaders and Hurricanes in recent weeks.
The Chiefs will have a home qualifying final against Queensland Reds next Saturday (6.40pm kickoff), while Blues will play the Crusaders in Christchurch (4pm kickoff).
The Hurricanes will host the Brumbies at 6pm Friday.
See how tonight’s match unfolded.