Super Rugby round 11
Augustine Pulu hails composed Chiefs
April 28, 2013
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The Chiefs' Brodie Retallick and the Sharks' Pieter-Steph du Toit battle in a lineout, Chiefs v Sharks, Super Rugby, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, April 27, 2013
The Chiefs fought back when challenged, Augustine Pulu says © Getty Images
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Chiefs halfback Augustine Pulu has hailed the side's composure as the secret to their Super Rugby round 12 success against the Sharks at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

The Chiefs led 24-0 after the first quarter, with Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Bundee Aki and Tim Nanai-Williams dotting down for the hosts. The visitors answered with 19 points to trail the hosts by just five at half-time, but the Chiefs regained composure during the interval and they overwhelmed their fellow 2012 finalists with a combination of scything attacks and tight defence, particularly through the middle of the park.

Pulu said the Chiefs had practised a fast start in detail, and he was rapt they had transitioned the work so effortlessly onto the field. "That's something we've talked about and realised we haven't done it well for the last two weeks," Pulu said. "We just need to keep doing it for the full 80."

When asked about the Sharks' incredible fight in the second quarter of the match, Pulu said it all "happened so quick". Pulu said: "We all sat back and we were dull at 24-0. But we didn't panic or anything, we knew we had to keep playing and get our systems right, but against other good teams we'll need to get that right."

Pulu said the Chiefs were determined to learn from the performance against the Sharks. "It was major for us. We needed to get back on track. Our goal was to win and get all the little details right."

The Chiefs won a remarkable game in Hamilton (video available only in Australia)
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