The Chiefs have edged their way to a 27-21 win over the Crusaders at AMI Stadium.
After a tightly contested opening 33 minutes the try-scoring deadlock was finally broken by young Shaun Stevenson, stripping his opposite number in the tackle and turning to clear 15 metres unimpeded to score.
The Crusaders managed to pull one back just moments before the halftime hooter, the forwards putting on a monumental shunt to force the tighthead, the ball spilling clear to Richie Mo'unga who only had to show a quick dummy and run one under the black dot.
Coming out of the interval with the Crusaders up 13-8 it was the Chiefs who struck first through promising centre Seta Tamanivalu, swerving one defender and stumbling across the line from 30 metres out to put his side back in front.
The Crusaders were quick to respond, David Havili cashing in on some quick recycled ball to dive over from close range and regain the lead for the hosts.
Outstanding fullback Damian McKenzie was the next across, capitalising on some great lead up work to power his way over from a metre out, converting his own try to out the Chiefs ahead by one.
The Chiefs then closed out the contest with a textbook rolling maul from a five metre line-out, the try sealing the win.
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