Chiefs vs Waratahs

The Gallagher Chiefs have a settled look to their line-up for the quarter final clash hosting the Waratahs at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday ...

There is also a student offer for $22 which includes a free Gallagher Chiefs beanie, bus to and from the game, and a front row spot in the Green Zone to hear Sambora perform as part of the pre-match hype. The Gallagher Chiefs welcome back star wingers Jonah Lowe and Etene Nanai-Seturo, who provide real energy on the flanks, which also frees up Alex Nankivell to return to the midfield where he has been a force both on attack and defence. Missing will be co-captain Sam Cane, who remains out of the side with his knee injury with McMillan deciding not to risk further injury. “It’s the small moments. Third on the ladder at the conclusion of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific round-robin competition, the Gallagher Chiefs have a virtually unchanged team for their knockout clash, and are hoping their fans turnout in force to support their team. The Gallagher Chiefs have a settled look to their line-up for the quarter final clash hosting the Waratahs at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday afternoon.

All the action in the Super Rugby quarter-final between the Chiefs and Waratahs.

After another promising Chiefs attack ended just short of the line, Michael Hooper released Will Harris in a brilliant length-of-the-field break from the loose forward combination. The visitors had enough possession but were repeatedly repelled at the collision, losing ground on a few big hits, conceding too many turnovers and being largely consigned to playing in their own half. It was clear those tries came straight from the training ground.

The home side produced their best display for several weeks to clinch a place in the final four.

The Chiefs took down the Waratahs 39-15 as they watched the new South Wales side self-destruct through handling errors and poor goal kicking.

The Waratahs remained much more methodical with their attacks, working the ball left and right as they waited for the Chiefs' impatience to surface again. The Chiefs continued to impose their physicality after the break but after doing all the hard yards to get within five metres of the Waratahs line, a handling error instead allowed the visitors to go 90 metres the other way and make it a 12-point game six minutes into the second half. Despite the Chiefs jumping out to an early lead via a penalty from Bryn Gatland and crisp set-piece try to Brad Weber, momentum early in the match was with the visitors as they managed to pin the hosts in their own half.

Here's how the Waratahs rated in their Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final defeat to the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

Was smashed in the tackle by Brodie Retallick. Spilled the ball when the Waratahs were coming out of their 22, allowing Alex Nankivell to pounce on the ball for a try. The Waratahs veteran was shaky at times in the scrum. Dropped a ball from Gordon that could have given the Waratahs a chance to get back in the match. Threw a clever flick pass to put away Harris down the sideline. Reeled off some big metres by splitting the Chiefs defence out wide early in the game. Put away Harris for his try to get the Waratahs back in the match. Took his foot off the pedal somewhat in the second stanza as the Waratahs’ attack was smothered by a well-organised defence. Threw a floating pass to Donaldson which led to a Chiefs try. Was laid out by a barnstorming Samisoni Taukei’aho. Came through the ruck to steal the Chiefs ball to put away Will Harris for his try. Made some big carries and was threatening off the back of the scrum. Found gaps through the middle in his four carries and was dogged in defence, making 10 tackles. In typical fashion, Hooper’s work rate around the park was immense, making 15 tackles and carrying five times for 32 metres.

Chiefs book a Super Rugby Pacific semifinal spot as they bolt clear to beat the Waratahs in Hamilton.

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The Waratahs have been bundled out of the Super Rugby Pacific finals after a below-par performance riddled with handling errors in a 39-15 loss to the ...

They won a lot of collisions in the first half. “We had a few opportunities in the 22 in that game and we weren’t good enough. “We’ve got to get better at executing.” There’s not a lot of science to it. To bounce back like we have, we’ve got a lot of growth left in us. It may not have mattered in the end. He’s determined and will get better.” “Last year was a tough year for the franchise and the team. We’re at base camp and we want to get to Mount Everest next year.” “Tane didn’t hit his usual standards. We’re really clear and conscious of where we want to go and how we’re going to get there next year. “They really punished our mistakes,” Gordon said.