Chiefs defy wet weather to put eight tries past Drua

Chiefs forward Kaylum Boshier. Photo: Photosport

The Chiefs have opened up a five-point lead atop the Super Rugby Pacific standings after 50-17 dissection of Fijian Drua in Hamilton on Friday.

Despite wet conditions, the unbeaten competition leaders snared a bonus point by running in eight tries - five of which were converted by Damian McKenzie - and led 31-12 at the interval.

Chasing their first Super Rugby title since 2013, the Chiefs have won their first eight games and are one victory short of their all-time best streak of nine matches.

They can match that record if victorious next week in a high-stakes match against the third-placed Cruaders in Hamilton.

The Chiefs will want to be more accurate than they were at times against the resolute Drua, who launched some spectacular attacking plays and were able to score three tries.

However, the visitors spent most of the match inside their own half due to the clever tactical kicking of fullback McKenzie and excellent first five-eighth Bryn Gatland.

It was only in the 70th minute, when veteran All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick crashed over, that the Chiefs could breathe more easily.

The Drua will host the Blues in Lautoka next week.

- RNZ