Defending champions the Chiefs repelled a strong challenge from the Highlanders to become the only New Zealand team with two wins from their first two Super Rugby matches.
The Chiefs prevailed 21-19 in Hamilton, outscoring the southerners three tries to one after having to come from behind.
The Highlanders, who pulled off an impressive victory over the Blues last week, dominated first-half possession and had threatened another upset when they went into the break up 16-7.
But the Chiefs were able to get their hands more on the ball in the second spell to pull themselves back into the game.
Still trailing 19-14 with 13 minutes to go, they tied the score with a try to centre Charlie Ngatai after a big run from loose forward Liam Squire, who was making his debut off the bench.
Five-eighth Aaron Cruden then nailed the sideline conversion with what proved to be the match-winning kick.
It was tough luck for the Highlanders, who had plenty of play in the opening spell.
They scored first with a penalty to five-eighth Lima Sopoaga, who went on to land all five of his kicks at goal.
But the Chiefs struck back when they moved the ball quickly for winger Tim Nanai-Williams to dot down in the corner.
As the game opened up, the Highlanders finally managed to make the large amount of possession they were getting pay in the 32nd minute.
They drove from an attacking lineout and it was flanker John Hardie who was on hand to touch down.
Sopoaga slotted the conversion and then a penalty to give the visitors a nine-point advantage at halftime.
Chiefs No.8 Liam Messam got his team’s fight-back rolling six minutes into the second spell when he scored after a patient build-up.
Sopoaga landed another penalty to make it a five-point game but the Highlanders couldn’t hang on.
Both teams have a bye next weekend.
Buzzard
Guest
You'd be mad writing off the Saders after close loses to the Chiefs & Blues who are two tough teams to beat at best of times. The Saders will be there at the end. It just seems like normal slow Sader starts to the comp to me.
Billy Bob
Guest
Agree with Nick above. Crusaders are not just having a slow start. They are having a weak start. McCaw, as great as he is still, is running on tired legs. At some point he will weigh up the toll on his body, up against the competition from Todd, Cane and all the 6's (which is where he's heading) and call it a day. That will affect the Saders. Not their year.
TheSnake
Guest
Good points Kuruki
mac
Guest
well Im hoping the Saders come last based on the fact Blackadder got rid of Daryl Gibson. I hope this is his last season. Todd must have an attitude problem. im getting to the point that Ill welcome back Deans as we all know he is a terrible international coach but a very good provincial/super rugby coach. Just looking at the Tahs, you can see what the Saders backs use to look like. Shame really.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Fruean always looks out of breath. Id prefer him on the bench if anything. 1) Manu 2) Schwalger 3) Tameifuna 4) Symonds 5) Rettalick 6) Messam 7) Cane/Latimer 8) Squire 9) TKB 10) Cruden 11) Tikoirutoma 12) Marshall 13) Ngatai 14) TNW 15) Anscombe 16) Marshall 17) MacIntosh 18) Afeaki 19) Fitzgerald 20) Latimer/Cane 21) Pulu 22) Aki/Horrell 23) Fruean Is my best Chiefs team
ohtani's jacket
Guest
He had some sort of ankle sprain.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Good points atlas. Am not anti-crusaders (although its probably the kiwi team I like the least) but as a rugby fan and someone who love kiwi rugby (sort of ahhh) Crusaders finishing last would just prove again the density you guys have at SR level. So yes, its very premature to call it after 2 rounds, but its just a possibility.
atlas
Guest
maybe' last season the Crusaders didn't get their first win till round five, yet made it through to the semi losing 19-20 to eventual tournament winners Chiefs . . . see where they're placed in six months' time But . . . someone has to be last in the conference, and unsporting i know but many an NZer I think would get some satisfaction from it being the Crusaders As a note re someone has to be last, in 2011 the Chiefs finished last in NZ conference; but all five NZ franchises were in the top 10 that year. Chiefs picked up ok the next year.
moaman
Guest
Squires run down the left flank was very exciting Kuruki! He looked dynamic. Have a real soft spot for Mils but maybe you are right and he will offer more off the park than on.
flying hori
Guest
Chiefs thrive on belief and confidence, Fruen looked short of breath, or am i seeing something else?
Otagoz
Guest
Thorn and Osborne may have made a bit of difference from the little I saw out at Homebush but the Cheifs have always played well with the scrap timber in the yard (building something out of nothing). The NZ conference is certainly uncertain!!!
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Good to get the points at the end of the day, i wasn't feeling that confident for most of that game to be honest. The Highlanders dominated in that first half. It gets really frustrating how little the Chiefs treasure the pill. We seem to turn it over just as we start to build a little pressure, we are just lucky to have backs who can counter attack with such a high level of success. The pack really needs to look after the pill, go through the phases and build pressure. It almost feels inevitable that we will lose possession when the forwards try to work up field. Removing that first arrival needs to be done more effectively. I was impressed with Symons the lock he will make a great trio with Rettalick and Fitzgerald. I think the Chiefs will benefit from fresher legs at fullback, Mills has been solid and not put a foot wrong but i think we have more to offer from fullback then just solid. Marshall, Anscombe would be an improvement. For me Horrel is better in the midfield then at fullback as i think he lacks that extra pace the other two have. The one other area of improvement we can make is in the loose. Croswell has done a fine job and like Mills hasn't put a foot wrong but i think Squire just adds that little bit more x-factor and punch and i would like to see him start at 8 with Messam at 6.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Agree moaman. Which makes me think Crusaders finishing bottom of the NZ conference isn't as silly as it sounded only 10 days ago. The Canes we have seen in SA will win games, Blues have the confidence boost they needed, Chiefs are the Chiefs and Highlanders have a very complete team. A tenner must be spent on Crusaders finishing last of the kiwi bunch!
moaman
Guest
Only caught last 30---was mightily impressed by the Highlanders---too early to cast judgement but they may be much improved this year which is great for the competition. The Chiefs showed again they can live off scraps but I would love to see them secure a bit more possession generally.Thought the bald guy played well ;-)