The Waikato Chiefs ruined Stirling Mortlock’s return from injury by romping to a 42-28 win over the ACT Brumbies in a Super 14 match in Canberra on Friday.
Australia captain Mortlock was playing his first game of the season following shoulder surgery but was powerless to contain an inspired Waikato side.
Chiefs winger Sitiveni Sivivatu claimed the first try when he outwitted the Brumbies defence with a grubber kick and followed through to touch down.
Sivivatu turned provider to create a try for centre Callum Bruce but the Brumbies struck back when Wallabies flanker George Smith burst through the Chiefs defence and set up his brother, Tyrone, for a try.
Chiefs flyhalf Stephen Donald won the ball in a tackle inside his own half and outpaced his pursuers to touch down. He grabbed his second by finishing off a fluent move down the left.
The New Zealand side led 28-7 at half-time and extended their advantage when replacement Wiliame Waqaseduadua intercepted a Brumbies pass and ran nearly the whole length of the field to score his side’s fifth try.
Brumbies replacement prop Josh Holmes cut the deficit with an opportunist close-range try and winger Peter Playford added another for the home team to make the score 35-21.
The Chiefs refused to be denied, however, and a fluid counter-attack led to replacement Jamie Nutbrown grabbing their sixth try.
Holmes crossed for his second score late in the game to earn the hosts a consolation bonus point. — Reuters