Fly half Aaron Cruden kicked three second‑half penalties to break a 15‑15 halftime deadlock and steer the Chiefs to a 24‑22 Super Rugby victory over the Sharks last night.
Cruden took up the goal kicking duties after conceding them to fullback Damian McKenzie in recent matches, possibly in response to concerns from the All Blacks selectors over the poor goal kicking form of other fly half candidates.
He landed four penalties and a conversion — four goals from six attempts — doing just enough to keep the Chiefs’ noses in front in a struggle with the Sharks, who scored three tries to two.
The Chiefs’ seventh straight win kept them atop the table at the start of the 10th round, while the Sharks ended their New Zealand tour with two losses and a win over defending champions the Highlanders.
In another match, the Bulls beat the Western Force 42-20.
Meanwhile in today’s matches the Highlanders will take on the Brumbies at 5.15pm, the Blues will face the Rebels at 7.35pm while the Reds will meet the Cheetahs at 9.40pm.
Source: foxsports.com.au
