Chiefs coach Colin Cooper has praised his side's response to their poor start to the 2019 Super Rugby season.
After four losses and a draw, the Hamilton-based franchise responded with a record-breaking 56-20 win over the Bulls in Pretoria.
The result was their biggest against the South African side and their first win at Loftus Versfeld Stadium since 2001.
- NZ Super Rugby Team of the Week
- Waratahs beat sloppy Crusaders
- Hurricanes come-from-behind to beat Stormers
First-five Damian McKenzie scored 21 points and earned three try assists while Brodie Retallick, Solomon Alaimalo and Alex Nankivell all scored braces.
Cooper said it was great to see his young squad fire after a tough start to the season where they lost to the Highlanders, Brumbies, Sunwolves, Crusaders before drawing against the Hurricanes.
"The expectation back home is that the Chiefs should be winning every game," Cooper said at the post-match press conference.
"This is our first win and when the team put together a performance like that it shows why the expectations are high.
"As a coach, I was always confident that a performance like this would come eventually."
Captain Retallick echoed his coaches' comments.
"I felt like over the last couple of weeks, we've been improving," Retallick said.
"After getting the draw, it was a good time to come away and connect as a team and gave us a chance to work on the smaller things.
"To get a win like that and see the boys smiling and having fun is hugely satisfying."
The Chiefs now travel to Argentina to face the Jaguares next Sunday morning.
The shadow Pumas' beat the NZ side the last time the two teams met.
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