There are few better ways to rebound from a shock defeat at home than to post 50 points on the road.
The Chiefs this morning (NZT) bounced back from last week's loss to the Lions to beat the Kings 58-24 in their most dangerous display of the season, although they were given a helping hand from the home side.
Both teams committed more errors than they would have liked at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, but the Chiefs' ability to capitalise on their opponents' miscues proved to be the difference.
Having already showcased their counter-attacking abilities while starting the season with a tight win and a narrow defeat, the Chiefs taught the Kings a harsh lesson about ball retention.
Dave Rennie's men continued a pattern established in the early rounds by crossing the tryline from the first phase of attacks, moving the ball with purpose and a plan to earn their first bonus point of the season.
They were far too quick, elusive and strong for the Kings, who shipped more than 40 points for the second time in two games. The Super Rugby new boys started strongly but rarely threatened the Chiefs' defence, eventually being over-run by an attack that would have unlocked most sides' defence.
The Chiefs received plenty of opportunities to punish their opponents in broken play and they needed no second invitation to make the most of those chances. Damian McKenzie was once more brilliant at fullback, scoring 28 points in a perfect day with the boot and excelling when igniting his side's attack.
Equally pleasing for Rennie was his side's set piece. The Chiefs had seriously struggled at scrum time in the opening weeks of the season but, after overhauling their forward pack, performed admirably against a physical home side.
The lineout was also solid, though the Chiefs did at times experience difficulty in defending the Kings' drive. While that strategy was employed with our hesitation, the Kings largely offered little else to test the visitors' defence.
It was a different story early, though, as the Chiefs were undone by errors before they could build any pressure and the Kings hit the lead throughout multiples of three. But a couple of aggressive calls soon changed the match, with the Chiefs showing attacking intent after earning penalties and quickly receiving results.
Having turned down a shot at goal to kick for the corner, Sam Cane soon crossed for the game's first try. And, after McKenzie struck in opportunistic fashion, Aaron Cruden's surprise tap saw Taleni Seu mark an impressive start with his first Super Rugby try.
Leading by 10 heading into the second spell, the game was decided in the first 10 minutes after the break, as the Chiefs twice finished from long range after the home side erred. First, a wonderful set move from a lineout allowed Charlie Ngatai to waltz across, then Cruden took advantage of a knock on to secure the result.
There was still time for the Chiefs to emphasise their superiority - including a maiden try for league convert Glen Fisiiahi - putting Rennie's side back on the right track ahead of next week's trip to the Jaguares.
Kings 24 (Marutlulle 2 tries; Fouche 4 pens, con), Chiefs 58 (Cane 2, McKenzie, Seu, Ngatai, Cruden, Fisiiahi tries; McKenzie 3 pens, 7 cons). HT: 17-27.
