Chiefs rally to upset Crusaders in derby classic

The Crusaders were 20-0 up midway through the first half, but the Chiefs rolled up their sleeves to pull off an unlikely victory.

 

 

The Chiefs kept their play-off hopes alive by mounting a staggering fightback to pull off a shock 40-27 victory over the Crusaders in a Super Rugby classic.

Colin Cooper's side came into the New Zealand derby in Suva bottom of the New Zealand Conference, but stunned the defending champions in a 10-try thriller on Saturday.

The Chiefs looked to be heading for a thrashing when they trailed by 20 points midway through the first half at ANZ Stadium, tries from Scott Barrett, Mitchell Drummond and Sevu Reece putting the Crusaders in command.

There was just a point in it at half-time, though, after Solomon Alaimalo, Samisoni Taukei'aho and Jesse Parete crossed.

Braydon Ennor struck for the Crusaders - already assured of a play-off spot - in the second half after Anton Lienert-Brown had failed to find touch, but Brad Weber finished at the other end to reduce the deficit.

There was even more drama to come as Shaun Stevenson raced under the posts to put the Chiefs in front, then captain Sam Cane came up with a huge turnover close to his own line before Tumua Manu snaffled a short drop-out to dot down after Jack Debreczeni missed a shot at goal.