Chiefs edge past Crusaders in Suva

Chiefs 23-13 Crusaders, ANZ National Stadium
Scorecard

Chiefs managed to overcome Crusaders challenge in Suva after registering a 23-13 win at the ANZ National Stadium on Friday to give a boost to their Super Rugby 2016 title hopes.

Fly-half Richie Mo'unga slotted a penalty in the 18th minute to put the Crusaders on board.

However, Fiji born Chiefs centre Seta Tamanivalu set up the first try for his side after putting a kick behind Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg. Winger James Lowe completed the try with a touch down as fullback Damian McKenzie added the extras with a conversion.

Chiefs added 10 more points to their tally as McKenzie scored another penalty in the 29th minute whereas scrum-half Brad Weber crossed over for a try in the 32nd minute which was forthwith converted by McKenzie.

The Crusaders managed to perform a little damage control as winger Jone Macilai-Tori crossed over for a try in the extra time added to the first half. Mo'unga's conversion reduced the deficit further down to seven points.

However, a comparatively sluggish second-half under constant rain and wet conditions saw only a total of nine points scored by the two sides.

McKenzie managed to score two more penalties in the 57th and 80th minute whereas Mo'unga added one more to his tally by scoring a penalty in the 73rd minute.

The Chiefs in the end managed to complete a 10-point victory to take a vital one-point lead over the Crusaders in the New Zealand Conference.

The Chiefs who have accumulated a total of 46 points are due to face the Reds and the Highlanders in away games where as Crusaders who have 45 points will face the Rebels and Hurricanes in Christchurch.