It was a game befitting the two combatants’ standings as the top sides in the New Zealand conference, as the Chiefs hosted the Crusaders in Hamilton. While the Chiefs were looking to cement their position at the head of the overall table, the Crusaders were playing for their competition life, and both sides began the encounter with appropriate intensity.
As the match ebbed and flowed the Crusaders struck two hefty blows midway through the first spell, scoring twice to give themselves a 20-6 lead. But the Chiefs fought back, and this momentum shift was indicative of a see-sawing clash which saw both sides playing high quality football.
When Sonny Bill Williams showed why he is the ultimate game-breaker, crossing despite the attention of four Crusaders, the Chiefs had the winning of the game in sight, but their set-piece, which was poor all night, coupled with staunch and unbreakable defence from the visitors in the dying stages, conspired to deny them the victory, losing 28-21, and leaving the door ajar for the Stormers to steal top spot.
The Crusaders meet the Force next weekend, and, while on face value it is a seemingly easy assignment it is one which will still require their fullest commitment. The Chiefs play the Hurricanes in another match of high significance, the ‘Canes needing to win to assure themselves a spot in the finals and the Chiefs striving for bragging rights at the head of the table.
