The Chiefs delivered a dominant second-half performance to defeat the Crusaders 49-24 at FMG Stadium Waikato, breaking away with a two-try blitz from Leroy Carter and Samipeni Finau after the scores were locked at 17-all just after halftime.
Early tries from Emoni Narawa and Ethan Blackadder set the stage for a competitive first half, but a wave of substitutions by Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan turned the tide, leaving the Crusaders reeling.
Josh Jacomb and Quinn Tupaea added late tries, sealing a statement win for the Chiefs despite injuries to key players Luke Jacobson, Rameka Poihipi, and Narawa.
The Crusaders, coming off a strong win over the Hurricanes, were given a harsh reality check before their bye week, while the Chiefs prepare to face the Brumbies in Hamilton.
