CHIEFS OVERWHELM CRUSADERS IN SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC SEASON OPENER

The Chiefs travelled to Christchurch and shocked the Crusaders with a 31-10 victory, pulling off a significant upset over the defending champions. The Crusaders took an early lead of 10-0 thanks to a touchdown by David Havill and a penalty by Richie Mo'unga, which was followed by the Chiefs being pushed against the wall. Yet after a scuffle-filled first half, a try by Brodie Retallick kept the Chiefs in the game, pulling the score back to 10-7. The Crusaders were completely outclassed by the Chiefs' intense pressure and lockdown defence as they came out of the break in the second half with fresh vigour. Sam Cane, the captain, Alex Nankivell, the centre, and Cortez, the sub Ratima all registered goals in the second half to give the Chiefs the lead after 70 minutes and clinch a resounding win. The new regulations that were implemented this season to create a speedier game were experienced by both teams for the first time during this meeting, with the Chiefs obviously adjusting to a less organised combat more quickly.