Match Reports

The Crusaders have beaten the Chiefs 25-19 in their 'home' match at McLean Park in Napier.

After fighting out a tough first half, the Crusaders went to the break with the score at 6-all but came out in the second half and turned the screws on the Chiefs and Ian Foster's men had no answer.

It was a brave performance from the Crusaders. After the highs of their victory over the Stormers in Cape Town, they travelled to Bloemfontein and lost to the Cheetahs.

Another long-haul flight followed before they landed in Christchurch, stayed a few days, and they were back on the plane to Napier.

But buoyed by a big crowd of about 15,000 at McLean Park, the Crusaders dug deep and their second half effort in particular was very impressive.

It was built on a massive effort from the Crusaders forwards who had the Chiefs in trouble at scrum time - scoring one tighthead and earning several scrum penalties as the Chiefs went backwards.

Dan Carter ran the show superbly and is coming back to form following his hamstring injury.

And skipper Richie McCaw turned in a big defensive performance.

Local Bay boy Zac Guildford was typically busy on the wing.

Carter and Chiefs first-five Stephen Donald swapped penalties in the first half but after the break it was all Crusaders as they kept the visitors pinned inside their own half.

Luke Romano broke through for an important score for the Crusaders when charging through the attempted tackles of Ben Afeaki and Brendon Leonard. In the teams' first clash of the season at Mt Maunganui, it was Romano's late try which clinched the bonus point for the Crusaders.

After that, Carter's penalties and a sharply-taken drop goal kept the Crusaders out of reach of the Chiefs, who scored a consolation try after the final hooter when Liam Messam went over amidst a pile of bodies and the TMO awarded the five pointer.

Crusaders - Try: Luke Romano. Con: Dan Carter. Pens: Carter 5. DG: Carter

Chiefs - Try: Liam Messam. Con: Stephen Donald. Pens: Donald 4

HT: 6-6

Crusaders
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Corey Flynn (David Hall 74min)
3. Ben Franks (Owen Franks 67min)
4. Luke Romano
5. Chris Jack (Brad Thorn 40min)
6. George Whitrlock (Joe Wheeler 64min)
7.Richie McCaw (c)
8. Kieran Read
9. Willi Heinz
10. Dan Carter (Matt Berquist 76min)
11. Zac Guildford
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Robbie Fruean
14. Brent Ward
15. Tom Marshall
Reserves not used
20. Steve Alfeld
22. Tu Umaga-Marshall