Super Rugby Pacific: Five takeaways from Chiefs v Fijian Drua including more Damian McKenzie magic

Dylan Coetzee
Super Rugby Pacific: Split between Gatland and McKenzie

Following the Chiefs’ outstanding 50-17 win over Fijian Drua in Hamilton on Friday, Planet Rugby selects five takeaways from the action.

Quality defies conditions

The weather at FMG Stadium was atrocious at best with rain bucketing down for most of the game and even when it let off at the back end of the match the field was sopping wet.

Immediately one would think the style of the clash would change to a more kicking-based affair but that was not the case as both sides showed outstanding skills to play running rugby in tricky conditions. The game served up an impressive 11 tries with some very expansive just to add the cherry on top.

The passing, kicking and handling from both sides was admirable in the conditions, making for a very entertaining clash to start the round off.

Chiefs a class apart

It is eight from eight for the Waikato men who are showing no signs of stopping. Their performances have been consistently brilliant regardless of who is selected and what combinations are used.

To score eight tries in conditions so poor is simply outrageous, and this side deserves every bit of praise. Momentum is well and truly with the Chiefs at this stage.

Whilst it is easy to get caught up in the flashy tries and big scorelines it is important to understand and acknowledge just how well each unit is operating to produce the end result.

The leaders welcome last year’s champions, the Crusaders, to their home turf next week in a big test to see if they have what it takes to truly charge for this year’s title.

Bryn Gatland and Damian McKenzie

It almost seemed ridiculous to move McKenzie from fly-half where he has been brilliant all season long, but that was until Bryn Gatland decided to absolutely command the game and in particular the opening period.

It was probably one of the best performances from Gatland in recent memory, as he looked dangerous every time he touched the ball; threatening the defensive line, and hitting cross kicks. Blockbuster is the word that comes to mind for the performance.

Whilst Gatland was running riot at 10, McKenzie was roaming with intent in the backfield and joining the line at will. He scored a try and kicked pretty well off the tee in the conditions. To be frank it does not seem to matter what number is on his back, he will still perform.

Grab the popcorn and take time to watch McKenzie this season because it is poetry in motion from a superstar currently transcending into a different sphere.

Samisoni Taukei’aho continues to underline his value

The hooker was the player to be signed on with New Zealand Rugby until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and performances like this make it blatantly obvious why.

It is hard to think of anyone better at making post-contact metres in the competition. The weather made it even harder to bring him down, and he certainly does not need a second invite.

Taukei’aho scored a crucial timed try and made a truly impressive 54 metres with ball in hand. He also made eight tackles at a 100% success rate. The hooker is a superstar, and the frightening thing is he will only get better.

Brave Fijian Drua not the finished product

The scoreline does not suggest how well the Drua played in this contest. Again, the conditions were truly shocking, but this did not stop the side from looking to express themselves. Instead of going into their shell, they came to play.

The side got reward for their approach and scored some beautiful tries. They pushed the Chiefs at times and should be praised for their effort.

However, there is a but. The side were impressive but were largely responsible for their downfall. Just after scoring and getting within striking distance a misplaced kick-off let Taukei’aho barge over and cancel out their try.

Whilst they conceded fewer penalties than the Chiefs, they had two yellow cards and that will always prove costly against a team of that quality. This side is close, but the diamond still needs polishing.

READ MORE: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: Code-hopper ‘real proud’ of rugby union stint but still has World Cup dream

Chiefs Samisoni Taukei'aho

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