Breaking it down: Chiefs path to victory

The Chiefs will be looking to upset a Blues side that are looking to win the tournament back-to-back in what will be a mouthwatering clash between two dominant franchises. There have been areas where the Waikaito side have displayed full dominance, areas we believe they could exploit in their path to victory. Joins us as we explore them  

Explosive Attack and Line-Breaking Prowess

The Chiefs lead the competition with an average of 9.7 line breaks per game, a testament to their ability to breakdown defensive lines effectively. Quinn Tupaea and Damian McKenzie have been instrumental in this aspect, with Tupaea leading the team with seven line breaks, followed closely by McKenzie with six. 

Dominant Carry Metres and Breakdown Efficiency

Averaging 1,023.5 metres per game, the Chiefs lead the competition in carry metres. Their efficient breakdown work, with the ball cleared within three seconds two-thirds of the time, allows their ball-runners to maintain momentum and execute devastating attacking plays.

Strong Defensive Effort and Tackle Success

The Chiefs have maintained a robust defensive record, averaging 124 tackles per game. While they have conceded 18 missed tackles in recent matches, their overall tackle success rate remains commendable.

Low Turnover Concession and Ball Security

The Waikaito side lead the competition with an average of 8.7 turnovers conceded per game, a testament to their excellent ball retention and security.