Chiefs beat Western Force 54-21 in Super Rugby Pacific

HAMILTON, New Zealand (AP) — All Blacks center Quinn Tupaea scored three tries as the Hamilton-based Chiefs beat the Western Force 54-21 Saturday to consolidate fourth place in Super Rugby Pacific.

Tupaea touched down twice in a competitive first half after which the Chiefs led 21-7. The Perth-based Force had their best period of the match at the end of the first half when they were almost constantly on attack and scored their first try through former Chiefs winger Toni Pulu.

But Tupaea scored his third in the 46th minute to herald a strong second half from the Chiefs who scored five more tries in an eight tries to three, bonus-point win.

The Chiefs’ forward pack was dominant throughout the match and set up the win with a strong set piece. The Force managed to rally after poor starts to both halves but still were overwhelmed by a Chiefs side which now is clear in fourth place.

A win over the Fijian Drua in Suva next week in the final regular-season round will guarantee the Chiefs a home quarterfinal.

“We’re pretty happy with that,” Chiefs captain Brad Weber said. “We’re trying to find a bit of momentum after maybe losing a bit of our mojo. It’s nice to come out and show a bit of attitude in both halves which sets you up for what’s to come.”

The Chiefs needed 13 minutes to break down the Force defense for their first try which went to Tupaea. Prop Aiden Ross drove through their defense for their second and Tupaea completed a first-half double to give the Chiefs a 21-0 lead after 30 minutes.

The Force made a strong finish to the half which resulted in Pulu’s try from a cross-kick by flyhalf Jake McIntyre.

Tupaea gave the Chiefs a fast start to the second half with his third and fullback Kelvin Trask added another to make the lead 33-7. All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i followed a strong run by Pita-Gus Sowakula in the 57th minute to put the Chiefs ahead 40-7.

In a rapid reply, former All Blacks lock Jeremy Thrush scored a second try for the Force who remained threatening throughout the match.

Two late tries to hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho on either side of a try to Michael McDonald for the Force clinched the Chiefs’ bonus-point performance.

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