CHIEFS STAR PLAYING BLUES
THE MUCH MALIGNED Chiefs could have turned the corner on the highway of hell that has characterised their Super 12 history by roaring to an impressive 34-16 victory over the Blues at Rotorua International Stadium on Friday night.
Perennial underdogs with the public and pundits
writing them off and picking them as once again the Kiwi
bottom rankers the John Mitchell coached Chiefs upset
predictions with a complete display of dominant power rugby
that overwhelmed the Blues and earned them an extremely
satisfying victory.
Individuals are hard to highlight
in such a wonderful team effort that eclipsed their more
fancied opposites by four tries to one. However thickset
centre Keith Lowen - even without scoring an epic hatrick -
would have been a certain candidate for man-of-the-match
honours.
Bursting through hapless Blues tacklers, his
totara-trunk-thighs pumping as he accelerated into gaps
Lowen contined his recent form and his effort to score a
sensational hatrick while outplaying his highly touted
rival, Jeremy Stanley, was a revelation and should have the
All Black selectors seriously considering his
skills.
Lowen's midfield partner in crime Mark Ranby
also enjoyed an excellent game while up front blindside
Koula Tukino was in barnstorming form and motivated his
fellow pack members to maintain the edge over the Blues
eight for much of a what was a rugged forward
contest.
It was this continued pressure from the
Chiefs pack which paved the road to victory and by
maintaining the pressure throughout the game they ensured
victory complete with a crucial four try bonus
point.