The Chiefs secured the coveted top seed for the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs with a commanding 41-24 victory over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, though they were made to work considerably harder than their early dominance suggested in a thrilling encounter that epitomised the unpredictable nature of this competition.
Key moments:
6′ – Samipeni Finau scores after brilliant Damian McKenzie chip kick (0-7)
11′ – Tupou Vaa’i crashes over for his first try (0-12)
13′ – Tupou Vaa’i intercepts loose pass for second try (0-19)
30′ – Ethan de Groot powers over from close range (7-19)
33′ – Reuben O’Neill yellow card for high tackle on Jack Taylor
39′ – Timoci Tavatavanawai muscles over in corner (14-19)
41′ – Xavier Roe breaks away for early second-half try (14-26)
51′ – Cameron Millar penalty reduces deficit (17-26)
59′ – Manasa Mataele finishes in corner (17-31)
73′ – Sam Gilbert scores consolation try (24-34)
80′ – Tupou Vaa’i completes hat-trick for bonus point (24-41)
Tupou Vaa’i’s hat-trick ultimately proved the difference as Clayton McMillan’s side claimed the bonus-point victory that guarantees home advantage throughout the knockout stages. The towering All Blacks lock showed remarkable opportunism and athleticism throughout the 80 minutes, capping his performance with a perfectly timed finish in the dying seconds that secured both the victory margin and crucial bonus point.
The visitors appeared destined for another comprehensive victory when they raced to a commanding 19-0 lead inside the opening quarter-hour under the roof in Dunedin. Damian McKenzie was the orchestrator-in-chief, his sublime playmaking and tactical awareness creating the platform for what seemed certain to be a routine triumph reminiscent of their 85-7 demolition of Moana Pasifika the previous weekend.
McKenzie’s masterclass began with a moment of individual brilliance that set the tone for the entire first quarter. Receiving the ball on his own 10-metre line with the Highlanders’ defensive line rushing up aggressively, the All Blacks playmaker showed remarkable vision to spot the space in behind. His perfectly weighted chip kick hung in the air just long enough for Etene Nanai-Seturo to position himself underneath the dropping ball.
The return of Nanai-Seturo to the Chiefs’ starting lineup after injury proved immediately beneficial. The electric winger gathered McKenzie’s chip cleanly before showing the quick thinking that has made him such a potent weapon. Rather than attempting to take on the converging defenders himself, Nanai-Seturo immediately fed Daniel Rona, who found himself in acres of space in the Highlanders’ half.
Rona, operating at outside centre, showed excellent game awareness by drawing the last defender before releasing a perfectly timed pass to the hard-charging Samipeni Finau. The flanker, who had timed his support run to perfection, found himself with an unopposed 25-metre gallop to the line. Finau’s finish was emphatic, diving over near the posts to give McKenzie a simple conversion attempt that he duly slotted.
The Chiefs’ second try highlighted their ability to create opportunities through sustained pressure and slick handling. After building through multiple phases down the left flank, with Shaun Stevenson and Rona both making valuable contributions in the lead-up, the visitors found themselves camped on the Highlanders’ five-metre line.
Vaa’i’s first try brought the close-range power that has become a hallmark of his game to the fore. The 24-year-old lock, standing 2.03 metres tall and weighing 115 kilograms, used his considerable frame to devastating effect. After Xavier Roe had recycled possession quickly from the breakdown, Vaa’i took the ball at pace from barely two metres out.
Despite the attentions of three Highlanders defenders, including the powerful Timoci Tavatavanawai, Vaa’i’s combination of size, strength and surprisingly good footwork proved unstoppable. He initially appeared to be held up by the defensive line, but his leg drive and determination enabled him to reach out and ground the ball with his left hand whilst being driven backwards. McKenzie’s conversion attempt from the left touchline drifted wide of the uprights, but the damage was done.
Vaa’i’s second try arrived through a combination of his intelligent positioning and a costly error from the under-pressure Cameron Millar. The Highlanders fly-half, who had been given his opportunity after Taine Robinson’s injury, found himself in an impossible situation when Quinn Tupaea’s thunderous tackle forced a hurried decision.
Millar, attempting to clear his lines from inside his own half, tried an ambitious skip pass to his outside backs with Tupaea bearing down on him. The execution was poor, with the ball floating invitingly into Vaa’i’s grateful hands at head height. The lock’s acceleration caught everyone by surprise – including the television commentators who remarked on his unexpected pace.
From 45 metres out, Vaa’i had a clear run to the line with only Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens standing between him and the try line. The Highlanders fullback, caught completely out of position by the turnover, could only watch as Vaa’i sprinted past him to score his easiest try of the night. McKenzie’s conversion from in front of the posts extended the lead to 19-0 with barely 13 minutes elapsed.
At 19-0 down with barely a quarter elapsed, the Highlanders appeared to be facing another heavy defeat that would confirm their wooden spoon status. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the 27th minute when Quinn Tupaea suffered what appeared to be a serious facial injury following what seemed like routine contact with Sean Withy.
The incident occurred during a standard ruck situation, with Tupaea arriving to support a teammate in contact. As he attempted to clear out the Highlanders forwards, there appeared to be an accidental collision that left the Chiefs centre clutching his face in obvious distress. The sight of Tupaea writhing on the ground immediately brought medical staff onto the field and prompted referee Ben O’Keeffe to stop play.
What followed was a 10-minute delay that completely disrupted the Chiefs’ rhythm and momentum. Medical staff took exceptional care in assessing Tupaea’s condition, with particular attention paid to potential spinal or head injuries. The seriousness of the situation was evident in the decision to bring the medicab onto the field, though Tupaea’s thumbs-up gesture as he was transported from the field provided some reassurance to the concerned crowd.
The injury proved to be a significant turning point in the match. Josh Jacomb, who replaced Tupaea, faced the challenging task of slotting into an unfamiliar second-five position alongside McKenzie. The disruption to the Chiefs’ backline combinations would prove costly as the Highlanders began to sense an opportunity.
The enforced break allowed the Highlanders to regroup mentally and tactically, and they began their fightback through the powerful running of co-captain Ethan de Groot. The All Blacks prop’s try encapsulated the direct, no-nonsense approach that has made him one of New Zealand rugby’s most respected forwards.
The score originated from a Highlanders scrum just five metres from the Chiefs’ line, won after some sustained pressure in the red zone. Folau Fakatava, showing the quick thinking that has made him one of the competition’s premier scrum-halves, opted for a tap-and-go rather than setting up another attacking lineout. His decision proved inspired as it caught the Chiefs’ defensive line slightly off-guard.
De Groot, who had positioned himself perfectly on Fakatava’s shoulder, took the pass at pace and showed remarkable determination to power his way over the line. The 1.85-metre, 120-kilogram prop proved unstoppable from close range, using his low centre of gravity and powerful leg drive to bulldoze through the tackles of Bradley Slater and Reuben O’Neill. His grounding was emphatic, slamming the ball down with both hands to ensure there was no doubt about the try’s validity.
Cameron Millar’s conversion from in front of the posts was never in doubt, reducing the deficit to 19-7 and giving the home crowd something to cheer about for the first time in the match.
The Highlanders’ revival gained significant momentum when Reuben O’Neill was shown a yellow card for what referee Ben O’Keeffe deemed a dangerous cleanout on Jack Taylor. The incident occurred during a typically robust ruck situation, with O’Neill arriving to support his teammate and clear out the Highlanders forwards.
However, O’Keeffe and the television match official identified that O’Neill’s cleanout technique involved direct shoulder contact to Taylor’s head area. Whilst there appeared to be no malicious intent, the officials correctly applied the laws regarding player safety. The yellow card decision, though appearing harsh in real time, highlighted rugby’s increased focus on protecting players from head injuries.
The numerical advantage proved crucial for the Highlanders, who immediately began to play with greater freedom and ambition. Their attack took on a more expansive approach, with Folau Fakatava and Cameron Millar using the extra space created by the man advantage to spread the ball wide at every opportunity.
The home side’s second try brought the raw power and determination that has made Timoci Tavatavanawai one of Super Rugby Pacific’s most feared ball-carriers into sharp focus. The score was the culmination of a patient build-up that illustrated the Highlanders’ improved attacking structure under the numerical advantage.
The move began with excellent approach work down the left flank, where Taniela Filimone and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens combined with a series of stunning offloads that stretched the Chiefs’ defensive line. Tanielu Tele’a then came close to scoring himself, taking the ball to within five metres of the line before being bundled into touch by desperate defending.
From the resulting lineout, the Highlanders showed patience and precision in their execution. Rather than forcing the issue, they recycled possession methodically before switching the point of attack to the opposite wing. When the ball eventually reached Tavatavanawai, positioned 15 metres from the line, the powerful centre had three defenders between him and the try line.
What followed was a masterclass in power running. Tavatavanawai first stepped inside Josh Jacomb’s attempted tackle, using his 1.85-metre frame and 108-kilogram bulk to his advantage. As Damian McKenzie rushed across to provide support, Tavatavanawai showed remarkable strength to fend off the fly-half with his left arm whilst maintaining his drive towards the line.
The final obstacle was Etene Nanai-Seturo, who arrived at pace to attempt a covering tackle. However, Tavatavanawai’s momentum and determination proved irresistible. In a moment that captured his reputation as one of the hardest men to tackle in the competition, he drove through Nanai-Seturo’s attempted tackle and reached out with his right hand to ground the ball in the corner.
Millar’s conversion from the right touchline was struck beautifully, curling just inside the right upright to reduce the deficit to 19-14 and set up a fascinating second half.
The Chiefs needed an immediate response after the restart to reassert their authority, and they delivered through Xavier Roe’s opportunistic finish that highlighted their ability to capitalise on even the smallest of openings. The try came barely 41 seconds into the second half, catching the Highlanders mentally still in the changing rooms.
The score originated from the Chiefs’ first possession of the second half, with the visitors setting up a lineout drive 30 metres from the Highlanders’ line. Bradley Slater, operating at hooker, controlled the drive expertly before recognising an opportunity to break away from the maul. His decision-making proved crucial as he spotted Cameron Millar positioned too narrowly in the defensive line.
Slater’s initial break took him to within 20 metres of the line before he drew Millar and released a perfectly timed pass to Roe, who had positioned himself on the halfback’s outside shoulder. The pass was slightly behind Roe, but the experienced number nine showed excellent handling skills to gather the ball cleanly whilst maintaining his pace.
With the Highlanders’ defensive line scrambling to readjust, Roe found himself with a clear run to the line. His 20-metre sprint to the corner was unopposed, and his finish was clinical, diving over in the left corner to restore the Chiefs’ commanding position. McKenzie’s conversion from wide out was never in doubt, extending the lead to 26-14 and effectively ending the contest as a genuine competition.
Despite extending their advantage, the Chiefs found the Highlanders unwilling to surrender completely. Cameron Millar’s penalty from 30 metres out in the 51st minute reduced the gap to nine points and provided a brief glimmer of hope for the home supporters who had endured a challenging season.
The Chiefs’ fourth try, scored by substitute Manasa Mataele, arrived at a crucial juncture when the Highlanders had briefly threatened to make the final quarter interesting. The score highlighted the value of the Chiefs’ powerful bench and their ability to maintain pressure even when their first-choice players were tiring.
The try was the culmination of a sustained period of pressure that began with Xavier Roe’s brilliant 50-22 kick. After the Highlanders had briefly threatened with a lineout drive that took them into the Chiefs’ 22, Roe recognised an opportunity to relieve the pressure with a tactical kick. His execution was perfect, finding touch just inside the Highlanders’ half to earn his side a lineout throw deep in opposition territory.
From the resulting lineout, the Chiefs built through multiple phases, with their forwards doing the hard work in tight before releasing their backs into wider channels. The crucial moment came when Daniel Rona, operating at inside centre, spotted Mataele positioned on the left wing with space to exploit.
Rona’s pass was floated perfectly over the heads of two Highlanders defenders, allowing Mataele to gather the ball at pace with just the corner to aim for. The former Moana Pasifika winger showed excellent finishing skills, accelerating into the corner and diving over despite the desperate covering tackle attempt from Jonah Lowe.
McKenzie’s conversion attempt from wide out on the left drifted wide of the uprights, but the damage was done. At 31-17 with just over 20 minutes remaining, the Chiefs had effectively sealed the victory and the crucial bonus point.
The Highlanders refused to fade quietly into the southern night, with Sam Gilbert providing a moment of individual brilliance that briefly threatened the Chiefs’ bonus point position. The try was particularly poignant as it came in Gilbert’s final match for the club before his departure to pursue opportunities overseas.
The score originated from a Highlanders turnover near halfway, with the home side capitalising on a rare handling error from the Chiefs’ forwards. Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Tavatavanawai combined to make valuable ground through the middle of the field before the ball was recycled quickly to Tanielu Tele’a on the right wing.
Tele’a’s decision-making proved crucial as he recognised that the Chiefs’ defensive line was slightly disorganised following the turnover. Rather than attempting to beat his man on the outside, the winger opted for a perfectly weighted grubber kick that bounced favourably for the chasing Gilbert.
The substitute back, who had only been on the field for 12 minutes, showed excellent pace and anticipation to race onto the ball in open space. With no Chiefs defender within 15 metres, Gilbert gathered the ball cleanly and sprinted the final 25 metres to score near the posts.
Gilbert’s conversion of his own try was struck with obvious emotion, curling just inside the left upright to reduce the deficit to 34-24 and briefly threaten the Chiefs’ bonus point. The try provided a rare moment of joy for the Highlanders faithful and a fitting farewell for a player who had given his all for the club.
However, the Highlanders’ hopes of salvaging something from the contest were almost dashed in dramatic fashion when Adam Lennox appeared certain to score with five minutes remaining. The replacement halfback had worked his way to within inches of the Chiefs’ try line following sustained pressure from the home pack, but Cortez Ratima produced a sensational covering tackle to hold Lennox up over the line and preserve his side’s advantage.
Tupou Vaa’i ensured there would be no late drama with a moment of tactical awareness that underlined why he has become such a crucial component of the Chiefs’ forward pack. His hat-trick try, scored in the final minute, was the culmination of intelligent positioning and quick thinking that secured both the victory margin and the crucial bonus point.
The opportunity arose when the Highlanders, trailing by 10 points and desperate to avoid the wooden spoon, opted for a short dropout from their own goal line. Sam Gilbert, who had been thrust into the kicking role following Cameron Millar’s substitution, attempted to find a teammate near the 22-metre line to maintain possession.
However, Vaa’i had anticipated the Highlanders’ tactical approach and positioned himself perfectly near the goal line. When Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens leaped to tap the ball back for his teammates, the bounce was unkind, and the ball fell straight into Vaa’i’s grateful hands just five metres from the line.
With no defender between him and the try line, Vaa’i’s finish was a formality. The lock showed surprising agility for a man of his size, diving over near the posts to complete his hat-trick and secure the bonus point that confirmed the Chiefs’ status as minor premiers.
McKenzie’s conversion was never in doubt, providing the final flourish to a performance that illustrated why the Chiefs enter the playoffs as overwhelming favourites for their first Super Rugby title since 2013.
The result extends the Chiefs’ winning streak over the Highlanders to seven matches and confirms their status as the competition’s form team heading into the playoffs. Their powerful bench, featuring the likes of Samisoni Taukei’aho, Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Ollie Norris, highlighted the gulf in squad depth that could prove decisive in the knockout stages where squad rotation becomes increasingly important.
For the Highlanders, this defeat confirms their first wooden spoon finish since 1997, though there were encouraging signs in their never-say-die attitude and the individual performances of players like Tavatavanawai, de Groot and Gilbert. The recent contract extensions for key players including Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, de Groot, Tavatavanawai and Fabian Holland provide hope for a brighter future under Jamie Joseph’s guidance.
The Chiefs now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, where they will enjoy home advantage throughout their playoff campaign. Based on this performance, they remain the team to beat, though their inability to maintain early dominance and the concern over Tupaea’s fitness will provide areas for improvement ahead of matches where margins for error become increasingly slim.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
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