Defending Super Rugby champions the Chiefs overcame a second-half fightback from the Southern Kings to notch up a 35-24 win at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth early on Saturday (NZT).
A hat-trick of tries to winger Lelia Masaga laid the base for the bonus point win, but the Chiefs had to work hard in the closing 20 minutes to hold off the resurgent Kings.
Masaga opened his account in the 20th minute with a well-taken try in the corner after first five-eighth Aaron Cruden’s quick hands and speed on the wraparound gifted the explosive winger extra space out wide.
He was over again 10 minutes later, the second try coming after some superb interplay with centre Tim Nanai-Williams down the right.
Although Gareth Anscombe missed the conversion, the Chiefs looked in control at 18-6 ahead. But with just over a minute remaining until the break, speedy 18-year-old winger Sergeal Petersen pounced on a Chiefs fumble and raced 70 metres to reduce the Kings’ deficit to 18-13 at halftime.
The Chiefs continued to play with pace and width in the second spell, creating extra space with some destructive work at the breakdown, but it was Sam Cane’s strength close in that gave them their third try 10 minutes after the restart.
Two minutes later, Masaga picked up his third and the Chiefs looked to be cruising at 32-18 ahead as the hour mark ticked over.
But the tide turned as Gus Pulu, on for halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow, lasted barely 30 seconds before earning a yellow card for a professional foul with the Kings hot on attack.
Despite missing stand-in captain Darron Nell, a late withdrawal after tearing his calf muscle, the Kings showed real heart in regathering to make the most of their advantage.
No.8 Jacques Engelbrecht crashed over from close range, then two quick penalties, duly converted by Demetri Catrakilis, narrowed the Chiefs’ lead to eight with 10 minutes remaining.
However, the Chiefs controlled possession to close out the win, Anscombe’s third penalty of the game in the 78th minute putting the result beyond doubt.