Crusaders v Chiefs: Chiefs score 32 unanswered points to beat Crusaders in Christchurch

The Chiefs showed some real heart as they came back to beat the Crusaders in Christchurch. Photo / Photosport

Crusaders 19

Chiefs 35

The Chiefs have opened a four-point gap atop the Super Rugby Pacific standings after a stunning come-from-behind 35-19 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Both sides were tied heading into the top-of-the-table clash, but the Chiefs overcame a 16-point deficit while keeping the Crusaders scoreless in the second half to put themselves in the driver’s seat for home advantage during the playoffs.

After a dominant first half, it appeared the Crusaders would run away with the win, but coach Rob Penney will now be searching for answers, with the match having a similar feel to their round-two contest earlier in the season, when the Chiefs rode a dominant second half to win that clash 49-24 in Hamilton.

The Crusaders also lost All Blacks fullback Will Jordan to a suspected knee injury, which could see him miss the remainder of the regular season.

Wallace Sititi – making his first start since returning from a knee injury of his own – was immense for the Chiefs and no doubt impressed All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.

In a physical encounter, the Crusaders had to withstand an early onslaught from the Chiefs after making a mistake from the kickoff.

The hosts were shortly rewarded when Chay Fihaki’s 50/22 led to Tom Christie scoring the opener.

The Crusaders continued to apply pressure and Scott Barrett crossed for his first try of the season, before Antonio Shalfoon dotted down in between a Damian McKenzie penalty goal.

The Chiefs eventually broke the Crusaders defence with Emoni Narawa scoring their first try right on halftime.

That gave the Chiefs momentum heading into the second half and back-to-back tries from McKenzie and Leroy Carter saw the visitors claim the lead for the first time.

McKenzie pushed the lead out further with two more penalty goals before Sititi scored put the result beyond doubt.

The Chiefs have their final bye of the season next weekend, while the Crusaders are away to the Waratahs.

Crusaders 19 (Tom Christie, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon tries; Rivez Reihana 2 cons)

Chiefs 35 (Emoni Narawa, Damien McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Wallace Sititi tries; Damien McKenzie 3 cons, 3 pens)

HT: 19-10

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.