McKenzie brace as Chiefs down Blues in final rematch

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McKenzie brace as Chiefs down Blues in final rematch

Damian McKenzie has scored two tries as the Chiefs got a measure of revenge for their defeat in last year’s Super Rugby Pacific final with a 25-14 victory over the Blues at rain-soaked Eden Park.

Saturday’s blockbuster clash bucked the opening weekend trend of high-scoring matches but a bruising, high-quality contest suggested both teams will be among the competition front-runners again this season.

Flanker Dalton Papali’i barged his way over the line to give the reigning champion Blues the first try of the game just before the half hour mark after McKenzie’s penalty had given the Chiefs an early lead.

A second McKenzie penalty cut the deficit to one point but a break down the wing by Mark Tele’a set up centre AJ Lam for another Blues try to send the hosts into the break with a 14-6 lead.

The Chiefs struck first in the second half when they elected to kick for touch from a penalty and McKenzie ghosted over the line for his first try after the ensuing lineout.

The All ******* playmaker was unable to convert his own try but the Chiefs hit the front at 18-14 with a try from centre Leroy Carter while Blues prop Josh Fusitua was in the sinbin for a high shot.

Staunch Chiefs defence kept the Blues attack in check and McKenzie slid over for his second try five minutes from time, converting from wideout to take his personal tally to 20 points and assure his side of a first win at Eden Park for five years.

“Outstanding feeling, the Blues are the benchmark, they were last year,” said McKenzie.

“I put it down to our forwards tonight, they really muscled up and met fire with fire and allowed us to score tries.”

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