A two-try burst after the 50-minute mark proved decisive as the Chiefs overpowered the Crusaders 49-24 at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday night.
Leroy Carter and Samipeni Finau struck in quick succession, breaking open a contest that had been level at 17-all just after halftime.
From there, the hosts seized complete control, leaving the Crusaders struggling to respond.
The Chiefs wasted no time asserting themselves, with Emoni Narawa capitalising on early pressure to score in the sixth minute after a quick tap. Damian McKenzie extended the lead with a penalty, giving the home side a 10-0 cushion before the Crusaders had gained any real momentum.
The visitors responded with a counterattacking spark as Taha Kemara split the defence to send Cullen Grace through. Kyle Preston finished the move for his fourth try in two games. Moments later, Ethan Blackadder levelled the scores, replicating Narawa’s quick tap approach.
With the match finely poised, Carter and Finau’s back-to-back tries shifted the momentum completely in the Chiefs’ favour. Their impact came immediately after coach Clayton McMillan introduced fresh legs, a move that left the Crusaders unable to recover.
McKenzie’s playmaking brilliance continued as he set up Josh Jacomb for a try on the hour mark.
However, the biggest moment belonged to Quinn Tupaea, who celebrated his 50th match with two late tries, the second crafted by an impressive run from Simon Parker.
The victory came at a cost, with Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson leaving the field early due to a broken nose, while Rameka Poihipi and Narawa also suffered injuries.
The loss serves as a setback for the Crusaders, who entered the match buoyed by a win over the Hurricanes. They now have a bye week to regroup, while the Chiefs prepare to host the Brumbies in Hamilton.
