Luke Jacobson scores during the Chiefs v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific match, FMG Stadium, Hamilton. Photo: Mark Taylor/ActionPress
The points have been flowing in Super Rugby Pacific this season, but for most of the Chiefs' hard-fought 27-15 win over the Reds, it was only thing doing that was the rain coming down on FMG Stadium Waikato.
In a tense top of the table battle, both sides scored three tries, but it was Clayton McMillan's side that saw victory thanks to some good decision-making and goal kicking from Damian McKenzie.
It was looking like it would be one-way traffic early on, with the Chiefs making a perfect start and scoring the first try through skipper Luke Jacobson. However, from there the Queenslanders consolidated and kept the ball in hand despite the very wet conditions. It paid off as they commanded territory, then scored through hooker Matt Faessler off a well-executed lineout drive.
The Reds then struck just before the break with a try against the run of play to flanker Joe Brial, who pounced on a ball that'd been kicked ahead into the in goal.
Former All Black Jeff To'omaga-Allan found himself yellow carded early in the second half, however the Reds arguably got better in his absence and almost scored again through Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. His long, arching run ended up just short with the TMO ruling that he'd lost the ball before the line.
The game had been dominated by forward exchanges, with both teams favouring their lineout drive, but it was the Chiefs who ultimately made their moments count. A 50/22 by Josh Jacomb and Jacobson's calls to balance shots at goal and lineouts were crucial, first edging out to a lead through McKenzie's boot then going to the line for Samisoni Taukei'aho to score.
From there, the two-score lead was going to be too hard for the brave Reds side to overcome. Earlier, the Queenslanders had two penalties straight in front of their own, but chose to go for lineouts that ultimately failed thanks to the wet conditions and committed Chiefs defence.
At least the Reds were keeping on brand - they haven't attempted one penalty goal at all this season.
The game broke open in the final minutes with both side scoring good tries to Xavier Roe and Tom Lynagh, but it was academic. The win moves the Chiefs back to the top of the table after eight rounds, while the Reds will be rueing their inability to gain a bonus point.
The Chiefs head to Sydney next weekend to play the Waratahs, while the Reds host the Brumbies in Brisbane.
Read how the action unfolded with RNZ's live blog:
Team lists
Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Luke Jacobson (c), 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Tupou Vaa'i, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Gideon Wrampling
Reds: 1. Alex Hodgman, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 4. Josh Canham, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Joe Brial, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott (c), 10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Dre Pakeho, 14. Lachie Anderson, 15. Heremaia Murray
Bench: 16. Richie Asiata, 17. Sef Fa'agase, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Ryan Smith, 20. John Bryant, 21. Kalani Thomas, 22. Tom Lynagh, 23. Jock Campbell
