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Western Force’s New Zealand horror show continues as they face an embarrassing 54-21 loss to the Covid-Hit Chiefs in Hamilton.
The Force was desperate to shoot after Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific match, losing 61-10 to the Highlanders and 53-15 to the Crusaders last fortnight.
But inside the center chiefs’ hat-trick, Quinn Tupeya dropped the game early in the second half, scoring eight runs on three tries to ensure a home side bonus-point win.
The results put the Chiefs (9-4) in the box seat to secure a top four berth and a home quarter final.
The Force (2-10) will have nothing but pride to fight in the last two games of their disappointing season.
The only talk note coming out of the match for the Chiefs was the injury of captain Sam Kane, whose right knee came in contact with force prop Santiago Medrano.
The All Blacks captain will now be scanned to determine the extent of the damage.
Due to the Covid-19 protocol, the Chifras entered the match losing many players, but it was less important due to the riots from the beginning.
On many occasions in the first half, Force’s scrum broke down so badly that they avoided it at any cost when they chose.
After 31 minutes, the scoreline fell to 21-0 after doubling Tupaiya and Berging tried to support Aidan Ross.
Tupaea’s second attempt was particularly impressive, with the strong center resisting an opponent and touching down with his outstretched arm while two other force tacklers hung him.
The Force finally had something to laugh about in the 32nd minute when Flyhoff got a chip kick from Jack McIntyre to winger Tony Pulu, who caught the ball throughout the flight before touching a corner.
Only a few intense defenses from the chiefs denied a second attempt at a half-time stroke.
Defensive determination proved crucial in stopping the force’s movement, with Chiffra firing early in the second half to put the game on the bed.
Tupaya secured his hat-trick in the 46th minute when he intercepted McIntyre in a stroll over and three minutes later Flyhoff made a great team to fullback Caleb Trusk in an explosion from Brian Gatland.
Chiffara then made four more attempts, including two by reserve hooker Samisoni Toukei’aho.
© AAP