Two-time defending Super Rugby champions, the Chiefs, hammered the Blues 43 / 19 (half-time 24 / 12) in a pre-season friendly in Rotorua on Friday.
According to reports, tries went to the home side’s Rhys Marshall, Liam Messam, Sam Cane, Nick Crosswell, James Lowe and Robbie Fruean, while Aaron Cruden converted five tries and added a penalty.
Charles Piutau scored two tries and Jackson Willison one for the Blues, while Benji Marshall and Chris Noakes converted one each.
The Chiefs start their Super Rugby campaign away to the Crusaders on February 21, while the Blues start away to the Highlanders the following day.
Teams:
Chiefs: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 James Lowe, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Anton Leinert-Brown, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Kane Thompson, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam (Captain), 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Michael Fitzgerald, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Rhys Marshall, 1 Jamie Mackintosh
Replacements: Not known.
Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 George Moala, 12 Francis Saili, 11 Lolagi Visinia, 10 Benji Marshall, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid (Captain), 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Liaki Moli, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Sam Prattley
Replacements: 16 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 17 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 18 Tom McCartney, 19 Angus Ta’avao, 20 William Lloyd, 21 Patrick Tuipulotu, 22 Kane Barrett, 23 Jordan Manihera, 24 Brendon O’Connor, 25 Bryn Hall, 26 Chris Noakes, 27 Simon Hickey, 28 Jackson Willison, 29 Tevita Li, 30 Albert Nikora.