Chiefs beat Sharks 24-22 in Super Rugby

HAMILTON, New Zealand (AP) Flyhalf Aaron Cruden kicked three second-half penalties to break a 15-15 halftime deadlock and steer the Chiefs to 24-22 over South Africa's Sharks in Super Rugby on Friday.

Cruden took up the goalkicking duties after conceding them to fullback Damian McKenzie in recent matches, possibly in response to concerns from the All Blacks selectors over the poor goalkicking form of other flyhalf candidates.

He landed four penalties and a conversion - four goals from six attempts - doing just enough to keep the Chiefs' noses in front in a struggle with the Sharks, who scored three tries to two.

The Chiefs' seventh straight win kept them atop the table at the start of the 10th round, while the Sharks ended their New Zealand tour with two losses and a win over defending champions the Highlanders.