26 May 2012

Chiefs beat Bulls to reclaim top spot in Super Rugby standings

12:23 pm on 26 May 2012

The Waikato Chiefs overcame a 16-8 half-time deficit to fell the visiting Bulls 28-22 in Hamilton and reclaim top spot in the Super Rugby standings.

Fired by slick passing from first five eighth Aaron Cruden and line-breaking second five Sonny Bill Williams, the Chiefs sent the Pretoria-based Bulls back to South Africa with a second straight loss on tour.

The Bulls first five Morne Steyn finished with 17 points from the boot, but his team's vaunted defence buckled under pressure to concede two tries in the second half.

Cruden's conversion after the Chiefs' third try by replacement flanker Sam Cane put the home side six points up with 10 minutes remaining and desperate drives toward the line by the Bulls ultimately came to nothing.