All Blacks halfback Byron Kelleher scored two tries as the Waikato Chiefs overran South Africa’s Cats 45-14 in a Super 12 rugby match at Waikato Stadium on Friday.
The Chiefs’ loose forwards and outside backs stood out as they posted their second straight four-try victory over a South African opponent to bounce off the bottom of the table.
”It’s coming down to the crunch part of the season and every point we can get from here on in is crucial,” said Chiefs captain Jono Gibbes. ”We’ve put ourselves at the back of the pack to start with and all we can do is to concentrate week in and week out on improving our position.”
”If we’re going to make an impression from now on it’s up to experienced guys like Byron to step up and make a difference.”
The Chiefs fielded a solid scrum and functional lineout but gained their advantage from the scavenging and enterprising work of the loose forwards and inside backs.
Kelleher ignited the backline, probing for gaps close to rucks and mauls and exposed the Cats defence when the Chiefs’ phase play created openings.
The nuggety All Blacks halfback burst through gaps close to rucks to open up the Cats defence, kicked expertly for position or threw timely passes to give his outsides the chance to expand on attack.
The Cats had a fair share of possession and made some impressive attacking forays, but looked tired and lacked consistency as they wasted chances with misplaced kicks or handling errors.
Kelleher opened the scoring with a solo try and had a hand in tries to lock Bernie Upton, flyhalf Stephen Donald and number eight Sione Lauaki which gave the Chiefs a 31-7 halftime lead.
The Cats scored tries through Juan Smith and Conrad Jantjes but the Chiefs expanded their lead through Sitiveni Sivivatu and centre David Hill, who kicked six conversions and a penalty.
Scores:
Waikato 45 (Byron Kelleher 2, Bernie Upton, Stephen Donald, Sione Lauaki, Sitiveni Sivivatu tries; David Hill 6 conversions, penalty), Cats 14 (Juan Smith, Conrad Jantjes tries; Andre Pretorius 2 conversions). – Sapa-AP