Chiefs reign again over Blues despite Nonu double

The Chiefs held off a late rally from the Blues to win a thrilling derby in Hamilton, while the lowly Brumbies were too strong for the a timid Lions side on Australian soil.

Lachlan Boshier crossed twice to help Chiefs stretch their unbeaten record against familiar foes to 15 games, with the 33-29 result ending a four-game winless streak against opponents from New Zealand.

Brad Weber, Ataata Moeakiola and Jesse Parete also crossed but a defiant Blues team remained in touch throughout, meaning the result was in the balance right through to the final whistle.

Veteran centre Ma’a Nonu – left out of a 41-man New Zealand squad invited to attend an upcoming foundation day in Wellington – made an impact with two tries after the break, while Rieko Ioane crossed for the eighth time this season.

Nonu’s second of the game – successfully converted by Harry Plummer – cut the gap to four points in the closing minutes, but the comeback bid ran out of time, meaning they have still not beaten their rivals on the road since 2011.

FULL TIME – The Chiefs claim the win after a close and entertaining game against the Blues https://t.co/zrkBlNgpfK #SuperRugby #CHIvBLU pic.twitter.com/UpCyvAipiQ

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) April 13, 2019

Meanwhile, a struggling Brumbies side recorded a much-needed win on Saturday in Canberra, overcoming the absence of the talismanic David Pocock to defeat the below-par Lions 31-20.

The home team ran in five tries, with Christian Lealiifano successful with three of his conversion attempts, to pick up four points and move above the Sunwolves and the Reds in the Australian Conference.

Tom Wright overcame an early yellow card for a dangerous tackle to touch down for a try on his first Brumbies start.

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