15 Mar 2015

Chiefs win "brutal" Stormers clash

1:37 pm on 15 March 2015

The Chiefs are feeling the effects of what their coach Dave Rennie's calling a "brutal" match, after their 28-19 Super Rugby win over the Stormers in Cape Town.

Utility back Tim Nanai Williams may have a broken finger, prop Pauliasi Manu's got a rib cartilage problem, while the All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams suffered a head knock and must pass concussion tests if he's to face the Sharks next weekend in Durban.

Rennie's just glad his side had enough stamina to come from behind to win. He says it was very hot at Newlands but his side's conditioning and superior fitness perhaps told in the end as they came back from a 16-13 half-time deficit.

Aaron Cruden has eyes only for the ball

Aaron Cruden has eyes only for the ball Photo: Photosport

All Blacks first five Aaron Cruden was at his creative best, guiding his side to an emphatic win as their backline ran the home side ragged.

Cruden scored a try and kicked 13 points as the Chiefs inflicted the first defeat of the season on the Stormers.

Winger James Lowe and flanker Sam Cane also scored tries as the Chiefs kept the ball in hand with remarkable proficiency to sprint ahead in the second half.

Sonny Bill Williams could be in doubt for the Sharks game after taking a head knock

Sonny Bill Williams could be in doubt for the Sharks game after taking a head knock Photo: Photosport

Winger Jacobus Van Wyk scored the only try for the home side, with starting first five Kurt Coleman adding the conversion and three penalties. His replacement Demetri Catrakilis added a further penalty.

The ACT Brumbies are top of the table after a 29-0 hiding of the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, while the Chiefs are fourth, just behind the Stormers.

Elsewhere, the Sharks beat the Cheetahs 27-10 in South Africa.