Chiefs centre Rameka Poihipi got his name into the record books after scoring the fastest try in Super Rugby history when he crossed the whitewash after just eight seconds in Saturday’s clash against Moana Pasifika in Melbourne.
Fans were barely settling into their seats at AAMI Park as the Super Round encounter got off to a thrilling start when Anzelo Tuitavuki fielded Damian McKenzie’s kick off.
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However, the Moana wing could only look on in disbelief as his inside pass was intercepted by the on-rushing Poihipi, who glided through a gap in his opponents defence before diving over.
It was confirmed at half-time that the 24-year-old had scored the quickest five-pointer in Super Rugby history and his effort beats the previous record of Highlanders lock Vula Maimuri, who scored a try after 12 seconds against the Crusaders in 2001.
🤔 Have you ever seen a quicker try scored? Rameka Poihipi pounces inside 10 seconds for the Chiefs against Moana Pasifika! #SuperRugbyPacific #MOAvCHI pic.twitter.com/ehM3tQdVo9
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) March 4, 2023
That outstanding start set the tone for the rest of the match as the Chiefs continued to dominate as the game progressed and eventually outscored Moana by eight tries to four as they sealed a 52-29 win.
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The men from Hamilton paved the way to victory in the first half as they held a 38-3 lead at the interval after Liam Coombes-Fabling, Brad Weber (2), Shaun Stevenson and McKenzie also dotted down. Mckenzie also slotted four conversions with Moana’s only points of the half coming via a Christian Leali’ifano penalty.
Moana delivered an improved performance after the break as Timoci Tavatavanawai and Samiuela Moli also scored tries before Stevenson crossed for his second try.
The closing stages were frantic as both sides continued to attack and Moana were rewarded when Solomone Funaki scored a try in the 68th minute, before Stevenson clinched his hat-trick shortly afterwards.
That brought up the Chiefs’ half century but Moana finished stronger and were awarded a penalty try in the game’s dying moments which added some respectability to the final score.
Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific