Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs. Chiefs v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand on the Saturday 29 April 2023. Copyright Photo: Jeremy Ward / www.photosport.nz Photo: Jeremy Ward
The Chiefs, led by a standout performance from Damian McKenzie, beat the Crusaders 34-24 in Super Rugby Pacific in front of a sell-out crowd of 23,000 in Hamilton.
Maintaining their unbeaten streak, the Chiefs posted their ninth win to sit at the top of the ladder.
The match had a test match intensity, shown by the fact that the Chiefs kicked five penalties overall.
The battle between McKenzie and Richie Mo'unga saw both men step up in pressure situations, but ultimately it was McKenzie who guided the Chiefs when it mattered most.
McKenzie converted a crucial second half penalty to regain the lead, and set up Shaun Stevenson's late try with a trademark burst of speed through the midfield.
Chiefs captain Sam Cane was outstanding in a torrid battle at the breakdown, alongside big shifts from Tupou Vaa'i and Samipeni Finau.
After Stevenson had put them back in front, Brodie Retallick, who scored their opening try just after the break, and his fellow forwards muscled up to ensure the victory with hooker Tyrone Thompson crossing again in the dying seconds.
"It honestly means so much to us to have a crowd like this. It's been a long time since FMG stadium has been this packed," Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane said.
"We know we've still got plenty of the comp left to go, so we'll look at ways to making sure we can keep getting better."
For the Crusaders Braydon Ennor was really strong on both sides of the ball, while Dallas McLeod was very busy on the wing.
Scott Barrett was very effective and Tamaiti Williams probably had his best game at this level.
The Chiefs' likelihood of hosting a home finals series game increases with the win.
The Crusaders, who missed out on the bonus point, slip to fifth on the standings.