The Chiefs rediscovered their attacking flair to hold off the Fijian Drua 46-29 as they returned home to Hamilton
Inspired by fly-half Damian McKenzie, the Chiefs scored six tries to four, pulling away in the second half after leading 24-17 at the interval.
It was a disappointing result for the Drua, who were coming off an upset of the Crusaders in Lautoka and were competitive early on, crossing twice through midfield back Iosefo Masi in the first 22 minutes.
Their intensity fell away against the Chiefs, whose sole loss in four rounds this season came last week, when they were stifled by the second-placed Queensland Reds.
Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson was pleased his game-breaking backline could deliver a reminder of what they're capable of.
"There were probably a few stages there where we got a bit too loose with ball in hand but it's awesome when we can get some of those plays to come off - it's pretty nice to watch," he said.
Flanker Kaylum Boshier crossed twice while McKenzie's speed and awareness was at the heart of many attacking moments, complementing his 16 points with the boot.
Boshier's tenth-minute try opened the Chiefs' account after Masi sprinted away for the opener.
He was followed over by scrumhalf Cortez Ratima and winger Daniel Rona, ensuring they went into the break with a seven-point lead.
From here, the hosts kicked clear to secure the win.
Winger Etene Nanai-Seturo crossed just after the break before Boshier's second pushed the game out of reach for the Drua.
They scored two late tries but fullback Shaun Stevenson sealed the win when he regathered his chip and chase with nine minutes to go to score.
It lifts the Chiefs into third behind the Hurricanes and Queensland Reds whilst the Fijian Drua return home to prepare for the Waratahs.
Chiefs 46 [Tries: Boshier 2, Ratima, Rona, Nanai-Seturo, Stevenson
Cons: McKenzie 5; Pens: McKenzie ]2
Fijian Drua 29 [Tries: Masi 2, Cirikidaveta, Valetini; Cons: Armstrong-Ravula 3; Pen:
Chiefs: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Daniel Rona, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Rameka Poihipi, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Luke Jacobson (captain), 7 Kaylum Boshier, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Jimmy Tupou, 4 Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 George Dyer, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Tom Florence, 21 Xavier Roe, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Quinn Tupaea.
Fijian Drua: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Michael Naitokani, 11 Junior Ratuva, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Meli Derenalagi (captain), 7 Vilive Miramira, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Jone Koroiduadua, 2 Mesulame Dolokoto, 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Kemu Valetini, 23 Taniela Rakuro.
Referee: Dan Waenga
Assistant referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter
TMO: Richard Kelly
