On March 15, 2025, the Chiefs clinched a remarkable 32-31 victory over the Blues during a nail-biting Super Rugby match held in Hamilton, showcasing thrilling gameplay from both sides.
The match opened with the Chiefs making their presence felt early on. Daniel Rona crossed for the first try, setting the tone for the host team, who took an early lead. This eight-point advantage sparked immediate energy, but the Blues quickly responded through winger AJ Lam, who scored to bring the score to 5-7.
Damian McKenzie, known for his impactful presence on the field, capitalized on confusion among the Blues players resulting from a dropped ball. He spun through the defense and scampered to the try line, giving the Chiefs a 15-7 lead after converting his own try.
The Blues, determined to escape the bottom of the standings, rallied back with tries from Mark Tele’a and Corey Evans around the half-time mark, briefly taking the lead at 15-19. Not to be underestimated, the Chiefs retaliated when Blues’ Xavi Taele received a yellow card. This allowed Tupou Vaa’i to bulldoze over the line, and Cortez Ratima soon followed, pushing the score to 25-19.
The late minutes of the game unfolded chaotically, as the Blues threatened to reclaim victory. With fifteen minutes remaining, Marcel Renata scored, keeping the Blues within reach at 25-26. The tension peaked when McKenzie successfully converted a penalty goal at the 71st minute, which proved to be instrumental when Rieko Ioane scored for the Blues shortly after, bringing the teams to 31-32.
With just under five minutes left, Xavi Taele had the chance to give the Blues the lead with his sideline conversion. Unfortunately for the Blues, his kick hit the right upright, reminding fans of the game's razor-sharp tension. Subsequently, the Blues received one last chance when they won a penalty through Anton Segner, but their decision to kick back to the Chiefs instead of trying to find touch startled many observers. A cross-field kick was successfully handled by the Chiefs, securing their victory.
Chiefs' fullback Shaun Stevenson played a pivotal role during the game, showcasing his skill with a stunning behind-the-back assist for Rona's try. “If you're able to do something like this, you’ve got to have so much trust in your skill,” All Blacks great Mils Muliaina said, praising Stevenson’s abilities.
Stevenson, who has been regarded as one of the unluckiest players missing out on national selection, expressed his disappointment with feedback from All Black selectors, claiming, “I can’t help or change” the current conditions of his career. Nonetheless, his performance on the field suggests he remains open to opportunities.
The Chiefs' victory not only solidified their prospects of the season, leaving them with a record of 4-1, but also ensured they remained at the top of the Super Rugby standings. Meanwhile, the Blues, improving their record to 1-4, managed to leapfrog past both Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua but are aware they face stiff challenges headlining next week against the formidable Crusaders.
Chiefs coach Luke Jacobson commented on the victory, noting, “We're not thinking about last year. We're thinking about this year.” This quote highlights the team’s resolve to focus on present challenges rather than previous seasons' outcomes.
Despite the loss, the Blues showed promising signs of improvement with five tries to the Chiefs’ four, as their strategies began to take form under pressure. Blues’ coach Vern Cotter noted the importance of building upon their efforts moving forward.
Looking at individual performances, Damian McKenzie shone brightly, contributing 17 points through tries and penalty conversions, delineated by his pivotal kicks during decisive moments. This reinforced his reputation for reliability and skill under pressure within the ranks of New Zealand rugby.
The match showcased not only the intensity of Super Rugby but also the skill of individuals like Stevenson, McKenzie, and Ioane, each leaving their marks on the exciting contest.
The Chiefs will look to build on this win as they navigate through the season, and fans can expect thrilling clashes as the competition heats up. With teams eager to secure playoff spots, every point counts as the season progresses.
Next week, the Blues will have to regroup and face the Crusaders, hoping to convert the lessons learned from this narrow defeat to clinch their upcoming match, as the Chiefs revel in their hard-earned victory.