The Chiefs romped to a 38-24 victory over the Hurricanes in a Super 14 pre-season match at Gisborne's Rugby Park on Saturday.

In hot conditions, the Chiefs started strongly to score four tries, including one to halfback Brendon Leonard who has not played rugby for eight months following a knee injury.

Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer and Callum Bruce scored the Chiefs' other tries in the first half.

Hurricanes winger Hosea Gear crossed for a try just before the break to put his side on the board.

In the second half, the Hurricanes came back at the Chiefs to score tries through Zac Guildford, Dane Coles and Rodney So'oialo.

However, tries by Dwayne Sweeney and Lelia Masaga enabled the Chiefs to hold out for the win.

The Chiefs open their 2009 Super 14 season with a trip to Christchurch to play the Crusaders on Saturday.

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