Rugby: Crusaders say sorry for poor form

Jordan Taufua is tackled by Liam Messam during the Chiefs' win over the Crusaders. Photo / Getty

The Crusaders are apologising to their supporters for their lacklustre form in Super Rugby.

Fans streamed out of AMI Stadium before the final whistle in their heavy defeat at the hands of the Chiefs.

Assistant coach Aaron Mauger says that, coupled with some angry posts on social media, really affected the team.

"We love the people that we represent and we know that they love our team. That's probably why they walked out - they were disappointed and it hurt them to see that."

The champions of old are languishing in fourth in the New Zealand Conference 10th overall, six points off the playoff spot.

Their attack has been well below par but Aaron Mauger says they know their systems work.

"We're not in a great position at the moment but we truly believe we can get ourselves out of it. If we take that game by game approach and just nail each performance we'll give ourselves a chance to do that."

Aaron Mauger says Ryan Crotty will be available to play the Blues on Saturday but Israel Dagg is still a week away.