The boot of Colin Slade has carried the Crusaders to an 18-17 upset win over defending champions the Chiefs in a tough Super Rugby clash in Hamilton.
The visitors avenged their narrow defeat to the Chiefs in Christchurch in February.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has hailed his side's dogged defence.
Trailing 17-9 at half time the visitors clawed their way back in front through the boot of first five Colin Slade before repelling a desperate Chiefs onslaught in the final 8 minutes to claim their fifth win of the season.
Blackadder said the gritty performance reminded him of the Crusaders of old, a team that won a host of Super Rugby titles.
The result lifted the Crusaders into the competition's top six and put them second in the New Zealand conference behind the Chiefs.
In other results last night, the Waratahs defeated the Bulls 19-12, Cheetahs lost to the Sharks 19-8 and the Stormers defeated the Lions 18-3.
Story by: Ronal Deo
Source: Planetrugby
