Cruden lauds Chiefs' determination in 'ugly' win over Stormers

Chiefs skipper Aaron Cruden credited his team for handling the pressure during the tense 11-17 win over Stormers in the Super Rugby quarter-final clash at DHL Newlands.

Damian McKenzie slotted four penalties for the New Zealand regional side but a touchdown from Siya Kolisi and a double penalty from SP Marais meant the difference between the two teams were down to one point heading into the final 10 minutes.

But, replacement Shaun Stevenson scored the decisive try in the 75th minute to take Chiefs home and a berth in the semi-final of the tournament in which they will face Crusaders in Christchurch next weekend.

Speaking about the tight encounter, Cruden admitted that they were pushed to limits by Stormers.

"We live to fight another day and head back home to New Zealand for a semifinal in Christchurch," said Cruden.

"It took a massive effort. We are going to have to recover really well for next weekend.

"It probably wasn’t the prettiest game, but you have to be able to handle the pressure moments. We would rather win ugly than lose pretty."