Chiefs

They forced their way over the line three more times after halftime before the Force were able to get a sniff, and by that point the game was already way out of ...

It proved to be an adequate decision as he got the scoreboard ticking over. It was a performance akin to several others in the squad staking their claim for higher honours. For each of his three tries, the 23-year-old had some work to do to get through the defence, though his third was the most impressive as he palmed Force No 10 Jake McIntyre off with comical ease.

The Chiefs have maintained their spot in the top four with a dominant 54-21 win over the Western Force.

The defensive grit proved crucial in halting the Force's momentum, with the Chiefs coming out firing early in the second half to put the game to bed. The result has put the Chiefs (9-4) in the box seat to secure a top-four berth and a home quarter-final. But a hat-trick of tries to Chiefs inside centre Quinn Tupaea put the game to bed by early in the second half, with the home side running in eight tries to three to secure the bonus-point win.

Clayton McMillan's side edge closer to securing a home quarterfinal, but there will be major concerns over their co-captain.

Like elite athletes at their peak, our sports journalists are highly trained in the art of news. There were a host of contenders from the home side, but Bryn Gatland can take the honours. The Force are still mathematically in the playoffs race, though may not be by tomorrow evening, and have a catchup game against Moana Pasifika in Auckland on Tuesday night. So we're asking you to support us with more than your attention. The injury to Sam Cane overshadowed all else. Also good off the tee, landing six of his seven shots.