The NSW Waratahs were brought back down to earth with a heavy 42-14 defeat to the Chiefs in Hamilton, unable to build on their recent win over the ACT Brumbies as they slipped to eighth on the ladder.
The visitors were outplayed from the outset, trailing 24-7 at halftime after the Chiefs capitalised on early opportunities through Kyren Taumoefolau, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Quinn Tupaea, while Josh Jacomb added points from the tee.
Despite a brief response through Sid Harvey and second-half changes including the introduction of Jake Gordon and Folau Faingaa, the Waratahs failed to shift momentum as Tupaea added a second try and Samipeni Finau secured a bonus point for the hosts.
Pete Samu crossed late for a consolation, but the Chiefs sealed a commanding win with another try to Taumoefolau, reinforcing their top-three standing.
