The Chiefs marked their first home match in New Plymouth with a 32-20 Super Rugby victory over the Blues that cements their position at the top of the New Zealand conference.
The two-time defending champions added a bonus point with four tries, before showing good defensive resolve in overcoming a late Blues fightback and a sinbinning.
The result extends their winning streak against the Blues to six matches going back to 2011.
It also continues the Blues' long drought on the road, with a 13th loss in row in an away fixture since early last season.
The defeat keeps the Auckland-based franchise bottom of the conference and was compounded by injury to fullback Charles Piutau, who left the field midway through the opening spell.
With Test coach Steve Hansen looking on, the 10-cap All Black went down with a knee injury after falling awkwardly in a tackle.
Up 20-13 at halftime, the Chiefs pulled away with two tries early in the second spell.
Prop Ben Tameifuna completed his second try-scoring double against the Blues in two years by driving over after the home side forced a turnover from an opposition scrum.
Fullback Tom Marshall then grabbed the bonus-point touchdown by finishing off a long-range attack that featured a big break by centre Tim Nanai-Williams.
Nanai-Williams went on to be yellow-carded for a breakdown infringement with a quarter-hour to go.
The Blues took advantage of the extra man to get a converted try through outside back George Moala but that was as close as they would get.
In the first half, the visitors made a great start, inside centre Ma'a Nonu setting up winger Lolagi Visinia, who did well to get the ball down after a juggle and pirouette.
But a Nonu mistake - the high pass going through his hands - allowed the Chiefs to hit back with Tameifuna barging over in the corner.
The Chiefs got their second try through Nanai-Williams from a sweeping counter-attack while Piutau was down and getting treatment.
Both sides have a bye next week.
Share
