The Crusaders have outmuscled the Chiefs 34-20 in Hamilton and will head into the June international break on a 10-match winning streak.
George Bridge Photo: Photosport
The victory means the competition-leading Crusaders go into the international break with a nine-point cushion over the Hurricanes at the top of the New Zealand conference, and a 14-point lead over the Lions on the overall table.
The Crusaders started with real intent, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis - on at No.8 for Jordan Taufua - diving across after four minutes following Codie Taylor's quick tap.
The Chiefs hit back with quickfire tries to winger Sean Wainui and flanker Luke Jacobson, but a Matt Todd try five minutes out from halftime and a Richie Mo'unga penalty right on the whistle gave the Crusaders a 20-13 lead at the break.
Early front foot ball from the restart created space for George Bridge out wide, the pacy winger diving over to extend the Crusaders' lead to 27-13 just five minutes into the second half.
Jacobson collected his second try soon after, bulldozing over from close range to keep the Chiefs in touch, but the Crusaders well-organised defence was ruthlessly efficent in shutting down any hopes of a home team revival.
Luke Romano wrapped up the win in the 76th minute, the big lock crashing over out wide after replacement wing Jone Macilai's initial break was finished off with strong work from the forwards.
-RNZ
