Chiefs prevail in record clash
Stephen Donald delivered an inspired goal-kicking display as Chiefs ousted Lions 72-65 in the highest scoring game in Super 14 history.
By Rachel Griffiths
Last Updated: 21/02/10 4:00pm
Stephen Donald delivered an outstanding goal-kicking display as the Chiefs claimed a 72-65 win over Lions in the highest scoring clash in Super 14 history.
The New Zealand fly-half kicked 32 points and added a try to the eight others posted by Chiefs to earn the hard-fought triumph in Johannesburg.
The visitors took an early lead when Callum Bruce touched down in the corner after just three minutes before Donald added the extras.
Earl Rose replied with a penalty for Lions after the visitors' forwards were caught offside, but Donald added three points of his own for Chiefs when Willem Stolz shoulder-charged into a tackle.
Full-back Rose converted again for the hosts as Sione Lauaki was sent to the sin-bin for a spear tackle on JP Joubert, but the visitors continued to dominate even with one player down.
Richard Kahui took advantage of miscommunication in the home defence to power over between the posts, with Donald converting once again.
Deficit
Lions cut the deficit to six points before the 20-minute mark as Joubert delivered a quick tap-and-go penalty then sent the ball quickly wide to Wandile Mjekevu, who touched down.
Todd Clever responded with a try for the Lions before Carlos Spencer powered over to put the home side in the lead.
Rose added the extras both times but Donald's penalty and converted try on the stroke of half-time put the Chiefs back in front at 27-25.
Liam Messam claimed the bonus-point try for Chiefs straight after the restart, then Kahui scored his second of the night, racing 60metres to cross the line before adding another to complete his try hat-trick, with Donald converting all three scores.
Further touchdowns from Junior Poluleuligaga and Sitiveni Sivivatu extended Chiefs' lead and late scores from Doppies La Grange, Tonderai Chavhanga, Mjekevu, Cobus Grobbelaar and Jacques Lombaard could only give Lions the consolation of a second bonus point after claiming the first for posting four tries.
Brendon Leonard dealt the final blow for the visitors with a crucial try as Chiefs held on to wrap up the victory.
