A stellar second half has proved the difference for the Chiefs who overcame the Bulls 34-20 as Super Rugby action returned to Rotorua.

With the match played at the Rotorua International Stadium, the home side were forced to fight back from 15-3 down to score 26 unanswered points to claim the bonus point win.

Halfback Augustine Pulu of the Chiefs dotted down twice in Rotorua. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

Chiefs first five Damian McKenzie began proceedings kicking a penalty after five minutes when it was thought halfback Augustine Pulu had darted over to score but was ruled no try by the officials.

The South African outfit regrouped and struck back as their defence brought about their first try of the night.

A fantastic tackle from Bulls centre JJ Englebrect on young McKenzie jarred the ball out and hacked ahead by Bjorn Basson for Jan Serfontein to pounce on for the five pointer.

The Bulls were in again minutes later, when Chiefs winger Bryce Heem misjudged a troubling grubber kick and knocking it forward for Basson to dive on which silenced the home crowd.

A penalty to Bulls youngster Handre Pollard kicked his team further in front soon after.

But just as the Chiefs have done all year, they battled back with captain and Rotorua local Liam Messam leading the way and scoring from a pick and go close to the line.

The hosts brought the scores level at 15-15 with Heem putting aside his earlier error to dot down on the back of some excellent work in the lead up and his fellow backs combining to free him up to grab a try.

Heading into the second spell all locked up, the Chiefs lifted the intensity and landed the crucial blow to the Bulls hopes when the sniping Pulu squeezed his way past the visitors defence to break the deadlock.

It proved to be a real turning point in the contest, because Pulu was in for his second try as McKenzie tore up the Bulls with a breathtaking run which the Chiefs number 9 cashed in on.

Leading 29-15 the Bulls responded with a try very late in the contest to substitute loose forward Pieter Labuschagne scoring after a driving maul worked effectively.

Although it was the Chiefs who would have the final say as a returning Tim Nanai-Williams claimed the home team's fifth try of the night much to the delight of the home fans who turned out to cheer on their side.

Next for the Chiefs is a trip to Invercargill's Rugby Park to face the Highlanders in an all important New Zealand conference match with huge playoff implications.

The match is scheduled for next Saturday night with kickoff from 7.35pm.

Score Summary.

Chiefs: 34 (Pulu 2, Messam, Heem, Nanai-Williams tries; D. McKenzie pen, 3 con)

Bulls: 20 (Serfontein, Basson Labuschagne tries; Pollard pen, con)

As it Happened.

Minute. Match Detail. Score.

5. D. McKenzie pen. 3-0

8. Serfontein try. 3-5

12. Basson try. 3-10

13. Pollard con. 3-12

15. Pollard pen. 3-15

22. Messam try. 8-15

23. D. McKenzie con. 10-15

27. Heem try. 15-15

Halftime.

53. Pulu try. 20-15

54. D. McKenzie con. 22-15

55. Pulu try. 27-15

57. D. McKenzie con. 29-15

72. Labuschagne try. 29-20

80. Nanai-Williams try. 34-20

Full time.