Vaa’i hat-trick puts Chiefs in command

Super Rugby Pacific round-up

- By SAM JACKSON

THE Chiefs secured top ranking for the play-offs with a 41-24 win over the Highlanders with second row Tupou Vaa’i grabbing a hat-trick.

Damian McKenzie put Samipeni Finau in for the first try after five minutes before Vaa’i scored a quick double for a 19-0 lead after 14 minutes.

The Highlanders hit back with tries from co-captains Ethan de Groot and Timoci Tavatavanawai but the Chiefs grabbed the first score after half-time when Xavier Roe sprinted after a driving maul. Replacement Manasa Mataele got on the scoresheet and Vaa’i scored his third with Sam Gilbert notching a late consolation in his final game for the Highlanders.

The Brumbies fell to a late score against the Crusaders in the battle for second spot.

The visiting Kiwis hit the front in the 76th minute with replacement hooker George Bell peeling off a maul to dive over and make it 33-31, despite an apparent knock-on by Sevu Reece in the previous play.

Brumbies winger Corey Toole pin-balled through the defence looking for the winner but Scott Barrett dislodged the ball three metres from the tryline.