15 Mar 2014

Late tries give Chiefs win over Stormers

6:23 am on 15 March 2014

The double defending champion Chiefs maintained their perfect start to the Super Rugby season after two late tries sealed a 36-20 victory over South African side the Stormers in Hamilton.

James Lowe, Tom Marshall and Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tevita Koloamatangi and Tanerau Latimer, playing his 100th Super Rugby match, all scored tries, while All Black first-five Aaron Cruden added 11 points for the Chiefs, who have won all three of their games this season and lead the New Zealand conference on 13 points.

Stormers number ten Demetri Catrakilis slotted two first half penalties for the visitors before Gio Aplon and Nizaam Carr scored second half tries as the visitors looked to stage a remarkable comeback.

Replacement first-five Peter Grant converted both tries for the visitors, who had battled back from 24-6 down to 24-20 with five minutes remaining before Koloamatangi's late effort sealed the win and the bonus point.

Latimer then scored his try from a rolling maul as the final hooter sounded.