Chiefs (16) 19 / Highlanders (9) 23 (Final Score)

The Chiefs and Highlanders did battle in Week 1 of Super Rugby 2012 at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time).

This was the live match discussion Article.

The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1, SHD & M-Net on TV in SA.

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Scorers:

Chiefs:

• Penalties – Aaron Cruden (4)
• Drop Goals – 0
• Tries – Lelia Masaga (1)
• Conversions – Aaron Cruden (1)

Highlanders:

• Penalties – Chris Noakes (3)
• Drop Goals – 0
• Tries – Aaron Smith (1), Phil Burleigh (1)
• Conversions – Chris Noakes (2)

Teams:

Chiefs: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Tim Nanai-Williams, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 21 Andrew Horrell, 22 Asaeli Tikoirotuma.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Buxton Popoali’i, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 John Hardie, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Nick Crosswell, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Chris King, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Culum Retallick, 19 James Haskell, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Lima Sopoaga, 22 Kurt Baker.

Referee: Jonathon White (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Vinny Munro (New Zealand), Nick Briant (New Zealand)
TMO: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)