Chiefs overcome Crusaders 35–19 with stunning second-half surge

The Chiefs produced one of the most ruthless second-half displays of the Super Rugby Pacific season to stun the Crusaders 35–19 in Christchurch, turning a 16-point halftime deficit into a powerful statement win that launched them to the top of the table.

It was a game that began with the Crusaders dictating terms and ended with the Chiefs hammering down the door in the final 40 minutes with unrelenting intensity and precision.

From the opening whistle, the Crusaders looked the more composed and clinical side. They found early joy down the flanks and at the set piece, pinning the Chiefs deep inside their own half.

A smart 50:22 from Chay Fihaki set the platform for the first try of the game, finished by Tom Christie after the forwards laid down a series of punishing phases close to the line.

The Crusaders continued to build pressure and extended their lead through more structured play and quick ball movement. Their breakdown work was sharp, denying the Chiefs any meaningful continuity.

By halftime, the home side had raced out to a 19–3 advantage, and the Chiefs looked like a team struggling to find answers.

But the second half was a complete reversal of fortunes. From the moment the Chiefs returned to the field, the energy was different. Their carries were more direct, the support lines sharper, and the defensive pressure suffocating.

Within minutes of the restart, the Chiefs breached the Crusaders’ line with a well-constructed team try that showcased their patience and vision.

Momentum had clearly shifted. The Crusaders, who looked so composed in the first half, began to fall off tackles and cough up possession under sustained pressure.

The Chiefs capitalized on every opportunity, stacking up points in rapid succession with a blend of forward muscle and backline flair.

A series of rolling phases inside Crusaders territory eventually cracked the home side’s defence again, bringing the Chiefs within striking distance.

What followed was a brilliant attacking sequence finished off in the corner, and suddenly the Chiefs had turned a 16-point deficit into a one-point lead.

They didn’t stop there. With the Crusaders visibly rattled and unable to regain composure, the Chiefs kept their foot on the pedal.

Another try came from a turnover deep in Crusaders territory, converted coolly to stretch the lead. The scoreboard now read 28–19, and the visitors weren’t done yet.

In the dying moments, the Chiefs sealed the result with one final blow, crashing over from close range after dominating the final scrum of the game.

The conversion took the total to 35 unanswered points in the second half — a remarkable comeback that stunned the Christchurch crowd and underlined the Chiefs' championship credentials.