Rotorua International Stadium welcomes home favourite sons
THE Chiefs have enjoyed a winning return to Rotorua after beating the Bulls 34-20.
The Chiefs and Bulls met at the Rotorua International Stadium last night in front of a big crowd, numbering more than 13,500 people.
It was the first Super Rugby game back in the city since the two sides met at the same venue in 2008.
Following back-to-back losses, the victory came at a great time for the Chiefs, who remain in a playoffs spot with three games to go this season.
Hometown hero Liam Messam scored a try and helped lead the Chiefs to victory during the match. He was also the only person playing yesterday who featured in that 2008 match in Rotorua.
The Chiefs had a try disallowed early on yesterday, before kicking a penalty to open the scoring.
Reporoa's very own Sam Cane had a scare when he was taken from the field with injury but returned a few minutes later.
The lead did not last long for the Chiefs as the Bulls went on a scoring spree.
Chiefs player Damian McKenzie was hit hard on halfway, losing the ball behind him. The Bulls took advantage and kicked the loose ball downfield, before Hosea Gear made a big mistake taking a swing at the ball with his foot and missing.
Bulls player Jan Serfontein pounced on the ball to score. The try was checked upstairs and awarded.
Shortly after, the Bulls scored another five-pointer when the Chiefs were guilty, once again, of not protecting the ball in their own in-goal.
Bjorn Basson was first to the loose ball and scored for the visitors. Andre Pollard converted then kicked a penalty to add to the Bulls' growing lead.
But, after a slow start, the Chiefs came roaring back to life with two tries of their own.
Messam barged over from close range to score the Chiefs' first try, before a great move up the middle won the home side some good field position.
A few plays later Bryce Heem crossed in the corner to tie the game at 15-all.
The scores did not change before halftime.
Chiefs halfback Augustine Pulu crossed for the first try of the second half after the home side spent plenty of time peppering the Bulls defence.
Before the noisy crowd had time to sit back down, the Chiefs were off on another promising attack.
McKenzie went on a long, angled run into the Bulls danger zone before popping a nice pass.
One phase later, Pulu was in again, scoring his second try, with the Chiefs pushing out to a 29-15 lead.
All Black Cane was sent to the sin bin with just over 10 minutes remaining last night, giving the Bulls a glimmer of hope.
Substitute for the Bulls Lappies Labuschagne scored for the visitors while Cane was off, making things interesting, but the conversion was missed.
A brilliant kick with only a few minutes remaining put the Bulls way back in their own 22m zone, helping take some pressure away from the home side.
The crowd got involved with a loud chant towards the end and helped see their team home.
Chiefs player Tim Nanai Williams got the delighted crowd to their feet right at the finish with a try of his own.
Chiefs 34 (Augustine Pulu 2, Liam Messam, Bryce Heem, Tim Nanai Williams tries; Damian McKenzie pen, 3 con) Bulls 20 (Jan Serfontein, Bjorn Basson, Lappies Labuschagne tries; Handre Pollard pen, con) HT 15-15.