Chiefs break Highlanders hoodoo
The Chiefs defeated the Highlanders 24-15, ending a six-game losing streak against their New Zealand rivals in Dunedin.
The Chiefs scored three tries to none in an opening-round display marred by several defensive errors from the Highlanders.
"It was a really polished team performance," captain Aaron Cruden said.
The result snapped a six-game losing run for the Chiefs against the Highlanders dating back to 2014.
The Highlanders drew first blood with a Lima Sopoaga try but then conceded two easy tries off loose balls, both to Chiefs' winger James Lowe.
The first came when Malakai Fekitoa tried a spectacular back pass to get out of trouble, then Lowe swooped on the ball and evaded a tackler before dotting between the posts.
Waisake Naholo then gifted Lowe another, sending the ball straight to the winger, who gratefully darted down the sideline for another five-pointer.
After going into the break 14-9, the Chiefs extended their lead by a converted try when Hika Elliot made a cheeky run from a lineout to again embarrass the Highlanders' defence.
The Highlanders managed some penalties from there, but it was a lost cause.