Damian McKenzie scored two tries as his Chiefs beat the Blues 25-14 on Saturday to extract a measure of revenge for last year's Super Rugby Pacific final defeat.
For the first time since 2020, the Chiefs have won at Eden Park! 🤯#SuperRugbyPacific #BLUvCHI pic.twitter.com/8qh8MADGhG
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 15, 2025
All Blacks playmaker McKenzie crossed twice in the second half and finished with 20 points as the Chiefs fought back from an eight-point deficit in wet conditions at Eden Park.
The Blues won the all-New Zealand final 41-10 at the same venue eight months ago.
The home side looked ready to repeat that outcome after tries by Dalton Papali'i and AJ Lam put them 14-6 clear at halftime.
However, they paid for their indiscipline in the second spell, with the Chiefs hitting the front in the final quarter after Josh Fusitua was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
That darn smile.#SuperRugbyPacific #BLUvCHI pic.twitter.com/09KjzD34ES
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 15, 2025
Debut winger Leroy Carter put the visitors ahead before fullback McKenzie slid over to make the outcome safe, using his pace to outstrip the defence for a second time.
McKenzie, who also landed two penalties and two conversions, had the better of his Blues opposite Beauden Barrett.
Both started at fullback despite having shared the flyhalf jersey through all of the All Blacks' 14 tests last year. They are expected to contest that role again in 2025.
"It's an outstanding feeling. The Blues are the benchmark, they were last year," McKenzie said.
"I thought our forwards really muscled up, met fire with fire and allowed us to score some tremendous tries.
"It's always difficult coming up to Auckland. We haven't won here since 2020 so this is a great start."
Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu said his team showed signs of early-season rust.
"We probably came into the game relying on our forward pack prowess but I think the Chiefs just turned up better than us," he said.