The Chiefs pulled off a huge upset against the reigning champions on Friday, travelling to Christchurch and stunning the Crusaders with a 31-10 victory.
It was a tale of two halves for the Chiefs, with their backs pinned against the wall early after the Crusaders pulled ahead to a 10-0 lead courtesy of a try by David Havill and a penalty by Richie Mo’unga.
However a try from Brodie Retallick kept the Chiefs in the contest at the half, bringing it back to 10-7 after a scrappy opening to the season.
The Chiefs came out of the gates in the second half with a renewed vigour, overwhelming the Crusaders with immense pressure and a lockdown defence.
Captain Sam Cane, centre Alex Nankivell and replacement Cortez Ratima all hit the scoreboard in the second half, putting the Chiefs ahead after 70 minutes and securing a convincing victory.
It's all happening in Christchurch! Nankivell scores to give @ChiefsRugby the handy lead.#SuperRugbyPacifc #CRUvCHI pic.twitter.com/svGIqSk6WW
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 24, 2023
This matchup was the first time either side got to experience the new rules that came in this season to produce a faster game, with the Chiefs clearly adapting quicker to a less-structured contest.
Both sides will now travel to Melbourne for Super Round, with the Chiefs taking on Moana Pasifika and the Crusaders facing the Highlanders.