Chiefs stun the Crusaders in competition opener

The Chiefs have pulled off the first upset of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, defeating defending champion, the Crusaders, 31-10 in Christchurch last night.

Mid-fielder David Havili scored the first try of the season in the 20th minute, and the conversion, which followed a penalty by Richie Mo'unga, gave the home side a 10-0 lead in front of a large crowd.

The Chiefs were able to stay in a mostly scrappy match and had cut the lead to 10-7 at halftime with a try to lock Brodie Retallick.

Second-half tries to captain Sam Cane, centre Alex Nankivell and replacement Cortez Ratima put the Chiefs ahead 31-10, while the Crusaders mostly were locked in their own half or contained by the Chiefs' defence.

New rules applied this season to speed up the game produced a faster game, though often at the expense of structure, and the Chiefs adapted more quickly than the Crusaders.

In another result last night, the Brumbies beat the Waratahs 31-25.

Meanwhile, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will take on Moana Pasifika at 3.35 pm today, the Highlanders will meet the Blues at 6.05 tonight, and the Western Force will take on the Melbourne Rebels at 11 tonight.