Chiefs Clinch Vital Top Position as All Blacks’ Tupou Vaa’i Scores Hat-Trick Against Highlanders

Under the guidance of coach Clayton McMillan, the Chiefs delivered a compelling performance, scoring three times after the break in a dominant display that left little doubt about their victory. They are now in a strong position to clinch their first Super Rugby title since 2013.

Catch all the action from the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia on Stan Sport, the exclusive home for every match live and on demand

Midfielder Quinn Tupaea was injured when making a tackle on Highlanders No.8 Sean Withy in the 27th minute, leaving him clutching his face.

He received extended treatment on the field before being carted off on a medicab, but he managed to give a thumbs-up as he left, and he was later seen on his feet in the sheds at halftime, sporting a noticeable bruise under his left eye.

Tupaea’s replacement came in the form of Josh Jacomb, who took over the inside centre role.

The Chiefs began with a blistering pace, shooting to a 19-point lead within the first 15 minutes, showcasing impeccable rugby with minimal errors.

Vaa’i stood out, scoring twice as the Highlanders struggled to cope with the relentless assault.

His second try came when Highlanders No.10 Cameron Millar was flattened by a heavy tackle from Tupaea, resulting in a crucial turnover.

What will dictate the outcomes of the Lions series? Is a World Club Cup truly feasible? And should there be a SANZAA team?

Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie made a significant impact early on, varying his play effectively and orchestrating the first try through a deft chip over the defensive line to Tupaea, which set up Samipeni Finau.

However, the Chiefs allowed the Highlanders to claw back into the contest after Tupaea’s injury.

They firstly conceded a try to a determined Ethan de Groot, followed by a yellow card for prop Reuben O’Neill in the 32nd minute due to a questionable clean-out on Highlanders hooker Jack Taylor.

With Timoci Tavatavanawai in imposing form, the Highlanders began to mount pressure and the No.12 powered over just before the break, narrowing the score to 19-14.

In what was a display of sheer determination, Tavatavanawai fought through Jacomb, McKenzie, and Etene Nanai-Seturo to reach the try line, solidifying his reputation as one of the toughest players to tackle in the league.

Needing to respond after halftime, the Chiefs did just that, with halfback Xavier Roe darting down the blindside following a well-executed lineout move.

Vaa’i further impressed with his agility and distribution throughout the match, though McMillan will be concerned about the scrum, which conceded two penalties in the second half.

The Chiefs’ bench proved their mettle as replacements Samisoni Taukei’aho, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, and Ollie Norris made their presence felt, showcasing the depth of their squad in contrast to that of the Highlanders.

Despite not playing at their free-flowing best in the second half, the Chiefs managed to secure key moments at the breakdown and kept the Highlanders at bay.

Replacement Cortez Ratima, who came on for Daniel Rona, executed a remarkable try-saving tackle with five minutes remaining, preventing Adam Lennox from scoring.

The Chiefs have now secured the advantage to play the remaining matches within the familiar comfort of their home-ground fortress, and it would take a daring bet not to back them.

At Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin: Chiefs 41 (Samipeni Finau try 5min, Tupou Vaa’i (3) tries 10min, 13min, 79min, Xavier Roe try 41min, Manasa Mataele try 59min; Damian McKenzie 4 con, pen) Highlanders 24 (Ethan de Groot try 29min, Timoci Tavatavanawai try 39min, Sam Gilbert try 72min; Cameron Millar 2 con, pen; Gilbert con). HT: 19-14