Chief DMac douses Moana comeback

Damian McKenzie scored 20 points to help the Chiefs claim a big win in round six of Super Rugby Pacific on Friday, despite four unanswered second-half tries from Moana Pasifika.

The All Blacks playmaker was at the heart of a ruthless opening 40 minutes from the Chiefs as they stormed to a 50-35 victory in Pukekohe.

McKenzie’s slick hands set up Bradley Slater’s opening try before he linked with Shaun Stevenson for another as the visitors raced to a 17-0 lead. Xavier Roe, Leroy Carter and McKenzie crossed to make it 43-7 at half time.

McKenzie Stevenson Carter Slater

A textbook @ChiefsRugby try
#SuperRugbyPacific #MOAvCHI pic.twitter.com/t6aDJ7YKjR

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 21, 2025

Damian McKenzie is a special player #MOAvCHI #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/iiqGL8mx39

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 21, 2025

However, Moana fought back brilliantly after the break, with replacements Sama Malolo and Tuna Tuitama sparking a 28-point surge. William Havili’s intercept try cut the gap to eight but Samisoni Taukei’aho’s late maul try secured the win.

The Chiefs remain top of the table while Moana stay rooted to the basement.

.@MoanaPasifika_ respond immediately after the break!

Abraham Pole darts over from close-range for the hosts #MOAvCHI #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/nqlMi1MOFv

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 21, 2025

How did he do that?!

Tuna Tuitama somehow gets the ball down in the corner to set up a pulsating finale!#MOAvCHI #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/F2A3pQr941

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 21, 2025

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images