The Chiefs have drawn first blood in the new Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season by defeating defending champions the Crusaders 33-29 in a thrilling rematch of last year’s final at FMG Stadium Waikato.
After taking the lead for the first time in just the fifth minute, the Chiefs raced out to a commanding half-time lead as they ran riot during a first-half blitz.
Playmaker Reihana went one-for-one off the kicking tee to level the scores at 3-all.
Almost suddenly, the Chiefs led 17-3 as the match neared the end of the figurative first quarter.
The Crusaders made it a contest again shortly after, though, as wing Sevu Reece forced his way over for a much-needed try.
Wing Etene Nanai-Seturo danced through the Crusaders’ defensive line – beating at least three defenders – to cross in the 30th minute with fullback Shaun Stevenson adding the extras.
The Chiefs led 27-10 at half-time.
The Crusaders needed to be the first to score in the second half and fullback Chay Fihaki touched down in the 43rd minute, and captain Scott Barrett crossed for one of his own shortly after.
To rub salt into the Chiefs’ wound, McKenzie had also limped off the field injured early in the half.
Fihaki completed a double with just under 13 minutes to play to help give the Crusaders the lead for the first time on the night but Josh Ioane pulled it back for the Chiefs by slotting in two late penalties.
In other games played last night, the Hurricanes blew away the western Force with a 44-10 win while the Brumbies thrashed the Rebels 30-3.
In games coming up today, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will play the Blues at 3.35pm, the Highlanders host Moana Pasifika at 6.05pm and the Reds will face the Waratahs at 9.05pm.
Source: Stuff.co
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