In their open pre-season match the Chiefs have beaten the Rebels 36-0 in Melbourne.

It was a solid display from the Chiefs with tries going to lock Kane Thompson, halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow, No 8 Alex Bradley, first five Andrew Horrell, winger August Pulu and a drive-over try from front rower Sona Taumalolo.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie was happy with the first pre-season hit out for the team. "It was good to give the whole squad a run with all the players getting at least thirty minutes on the field. There was good competition within the squad and I really happy with the defence. There are always plenty of things to work on but it is a good start".

The Chiefs will play the Highlanders next Saturday in Queenstown before heading to Taupo to play the Hurricanes on Friday 17 February. The Chiefs official season starts on Saturday 25 February against the Highlanders at Waikato Stadium.