In their only New Zealand pre-season match the Chiefs beat the Blues 43-19 in front of an impressive crowd at Rotorua International Stadium.

The Chiefs shot out to a 21-0 lead after a more clinical start than the previous week against the Reds.

Photos by Tracy Hardy.

Tries to hooker, Rhys Marshal and local lads, Sam Cane and Liam Messam gave the Chiefs the edge in the highly entertaining match, with Cane going off with a suspected knee injury which will require further assessment.

Blues player Charles Piutau doted down for two tries in a row to make the score 24-12 heading in the half time break.

Nick Crosswell from the Chiefs was the next to cross the line with the accurate boot of Aaron Cruden adding the extra points.

Heading towards the end of the match James Lowe cashed over for another Chiefs try which was followed by another from Robbie Fruean two minutes later.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie was reasonably happy with his side's performance and particularly of the young players in the squad including 18-year-old player Anton Lienert-Brown and James Lowe.

The Chiefs officially start their Investec Super Rugby campaign next Friday against the Crusaders with their first home game against the Highlanders on Saturday, March 1 at Waikato Stadium.

Tickets are available from www.ticketdirect.co.nz or Chiefs season memberships from www.getinnow.