Chiefs overcome Reece double to beat Crusaders 25-15

Chiefs 25-15 Crusaders, FMG Stadium Waikato
Scorecard

Chiefs overcame a double from Sevu Reece as they maintained their winning start to the 2020 Super Rugby season with a 10-point victory over Crusaders at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday.

This is Chiefs' second win from as many games as they claim the top position in New Zealand Conference while Crusaders are at third place with five points.

Reece gave a promising start to Crusaders when he capitalised on a crossfield kick from David Havili to touchdown in the fifth minute before Aaron Cruden led Chiefs response with a 11th minute penalty goal.

The visitors increased their lead further with Reece crossing the whitewash following a long pass from Havili, who also kicked the conversion to make the scoreline 3-12. As the half-hour mark was approaching, Chiefs reduced their deficit to four points when Damian McKenzie's pass sent Solomon Alaimalo over the line.

Chiefs were the quickest to get off the block in the second half with Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi spotting a gap at ruck to crossover while Cruden's conversion made the scoreline 15-12 before Crusaders levelled the score through a penalty kick from Havili.

The home side once again seized on to the lead when Brad Weber's offload found Sean Wainui as he strolled over the line and Cruden kicked the conversion in the 58th minute to make the scoreline 22-15. Crusaders' chances to get back into the game was put off by errors from them as Cruden with a 79th minute penalty goal sealed a 25-15 win for Chiefs.