The Chiefs have opened a four-point gap atop the Super Rugby Pacific standings after a stunning come-from-behind 35-19 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Both sides were tied heading into the top-of-the-table clash, but the Chiefs overcame a 16-point deficit, while keeping the Crusaders scoreless in the second half to put themselves in the driver’s seat for home advantage during the playoffs.
The Crusaders lost fullback Will Jordan to a suspected knee injury, which could see him miss the remainder of the regular season.
Wallace Sititi – making his first start since returning from a knee injury of his own – was immense for the Chiefs and no doubt impressed All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.
In a physical encounter, the Crusaders had to withstand an early onslaught from the Chiefs after making a mistake from the kickoff.
The hosts were shortly rewarded when Chay Fihaki’s 50/22 led to Tom Christie scoring the opener.
The Crusaders continued to apply pressure and Scott Barrett crossed for his first of the season, before Antonio Shalfoon dotted down between a Damian McKenzie penalty goal.
The Chiefs eventually broke the Crusaders defence with Emoni Narawa scoring their first right on halftime.
That try gave the Chiefs momentum heading into the second half and back-to-back tries from McKenzie and Leroy Carter saw the visitors claim the lead for the first time.
McKenzie pushed the lead out further with two more penalty goals before Sititi scored put the result beyond doubt.
The Chiefs have their final bye of the season next weekend while the Crusaders are away to the Waratahs.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies beat the Force 33-14.
Source: NZ Herald
