A bonus point win, 34-21, against the Lions In Pukekohe has put the Chiefs back on top of the super rugby standings.
First five Aaron Cruden scored a try, set up another for winger Lelia Masaga and was perfect with his goalkcking as he slotted four conversions and two penalties for the table-topping Chiefs, who with their ninth win, moved to 44 points, two ahead of the Bulls.
They also won nine games in 2009, when they finished runners-up to the Bulls, though with six matches remaining are almost certain to add to that total.
The Lions used their massive pack to score all three of their tries, with replacement lock Cobus Grobelaar bashing over twice from rolling mauls following attacking lineouts, while captain Joshua Strauss smashed over from in close.
