The Chiefs kept the Crusaders scoreless in the second half and ran in four tries to stun the defending champions in a bonus-point victory in Christchurch on Friday.
Having trailed 10-7 at half-time, the Chiefs roared back in a dominant second half to win 31-10, handing the Crusaders a rare home loss.
Sensational from @ChiefsRugby in the Crusaders backyard.#SuperRugbyPacific #CRUvCHI pic.twitter.com/iDKHl0AbI6
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 24, 2023
The defending champions led thanks to David Havili’s converted try and Richie Mo’unga’s drop goal. Brodie Retallick scored the Chiefs’ only try in the first half.
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
The visitors turned on the style after half time, with captain Sam Cane getting things rolling by atoning for his yellow card, before centre Alex Nankivell and subsitute back Cortez Ratima got in on the action to seal the bonus point.
?? Big Brodie puts @ChiefsRugby back in the game! Massive second half coming up in Christchurch.#SuperRugbyPacific #CRUvCHI pic.twitter.com/aujpYLI1Wn
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 24, 2023
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images