THE WAIKATO CHIEFS’ chances of retaining their Super Rugby title for the second season in succession appear to have been dashed after another loss to a New Zealand rival.
The reigning champions and 2012 winners lost 29-25 to Highlanders in a pulsating first hit-out since the southern hemisphere’s winter Test window. The Highlanders had three All Blacks to primarily thank for their hard-fought victory. Malakai Fekitoa, who made his Test debut against England last weekend, played a key role in the home team’s two tries and Aaron Smith was his usual, lively self at scrum-half.
Ben Smith had three Tests at fullback for New Zealand in the whitewash series against England and his performances will give AB’s coach Steve Hansen much to ponder when Israel Dagg returns to full fitness. The 28-year-old mixed the sublime with the ridiculous in his team’s victory as he offloaded to tee Patrick Osbourne up for the Highlanders’ first try.
He was then completely deceived by an Aaron Cruden grubber that allowed Dwayne Sweeney to pounce on the bouncing ball to score. Smith made up for his error by running a smart support line for winger Richard Buckman after another Fekitoa burst in the second-half.
In the weekend’s other game, Queensland Reds beat Melbourne Rebels 36-20 thanks to a brace of tries apiece from Nick Frisby and Lachie Turner.
