The Chiefs have given Moana Pasifika a wake-up call before their maiden voyage into Super Rugby, thrashing the newcomers 61-7 in Friday's pre-season clash at Mt Smart Stadium.
But while Moana Pasifika won't be content with the final scoreline, the team can be thrilled with the fact more than $25,000 was raised as a result of the match, with all funds for relief efforts for those affected by last month's Tongan tsunami disaster.
In a match played over three separate spells of 30 minutes, the Chiefs ran in nine tries and conceded only one in return, building on their impressive 2021 season under coach Clayton McMillan.
It took just 12 minutes for the Chiefs to score, as hooker Leni Apisai touched down from a maul, before lock Laghlan McWhannell did the same just over 10 minutes later.
The Chiefs scored another three tries in the second spell, with wingers Etene Nanai-Seturo and Jonah Lowe, and hooker Bradley Slater all adding their names to the scoresheet.
The final period saw the Chiefs add another four tries to their tally, with new signing Josh Ioane, a second for Lowe, Emoni Narawa and Chase Tiatia all adding five-pointers before the final whistle.
With the boot, Ioane added to his try with six conversions, while Bryn Gatland converted twice.
While limited in possession, Moana Pasifika were able to score their one and only try before fulltime, as centre Fine Inisi crossed over for his side's first and only of the evening.
Moana Pasifika will kick-off the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season on February 18 against the Blues, while the Chiefs get their campaign underway against the Highlanders on February 19.
Moana Pasifika 7 (Fine Inisi try; Christian Lealiifano conversion)
Chiefs 61 (Leni Apisai, Laghlan McWhannell, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Jonah Lowe 2, Bradley Slater, Josh Ioane, Emoni Narawa, Chase Tiatia tries; Bryn Gatland 2 cons, Josh Ioane 6 con)
