The Chiefs held off a late barrage to beat the Crusaders 24-19 in a bruising Super Rugby encounter in Napier Saturday night.
The Chiefs, who upset the Auckland Blues last week, scored tries either side of halftime through flanker Liam Messam and prop Sona Taumalolo while first five eighth Aaron Cruden punished the frequent Crusaders penalties with 14 points from the boot.
The Crusaders picked up from a disappointing first half performance with a try from Robbie Fruean after the break but still slumped to a second successive defeat after losing to the Highlanders last week.
Chiefs Coach Dave Rennie says stringing two wins together after a first-round loss to the Highlanders was crucial.
