Chiefs thump Sunwolves in Japan

The Chiefs have toppled the Sunwolves 61-10 in Japan to pick up their third consecutive win.

Dave Rennie’s side ran in nine tries with both Damian McKenzie and Solomon Alaimalo dotting down twice.

McKenzie contributed 26 points in his first start in the No 10 jersey to lead his side to a convincing victory.

Canadian lock Tyler Ardron – making his first Super Rugby start – opened the scoring, getting over the line after just three minutes.

The industrious 26-year-old finished with two clean breaks and 107 run metres from his seven carries.

Tries to Brodie Retallick, Nathan Harris and Solomon Alaimalo saw the Chiefs race out to a 28-0 lead after just 20 minutes.

The home side hit back with a try through late call up Semisi Masirewa to take a 28-5 deficit into the sheds.

The Sunwolves got their second spell off to the perfect start, with barnstorming wing Hosea Saumaki picking up the first points of the half after a devastating 50-metre gallop in the 41st minute.

Unfortunately for Jamie Joseph’s Sunwolves, that would be all of their scoring for the afternoon.

The Chiefs didn’t let up, running in five second half tries to push the scoreline well out of reach.

Next week the Chiefs will be tested by the Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato, their third New Zealand derby of the season.

The Sunwolves – still searching for their first win of the season – will be looking to regroup as they prepare for Daryl Gibson’s Waratahs in week seven.

CHIEFS 61 (Ardron, Retallick, Harris, Alaimalo 2, McKenzie 2, Polwart, Wainui, McKenzie 8 cons) SUNWOLVES 10 (Masirewa, Saumaki tries) HT 28-5