Rugby: Crusaders wear down Chiefs for 26-19 win

George Whitelock of the Crusaders and Richard Kahui of the Chiefs contest the ball. Photo / Getty Images

The Crusaders maintained their forward momentum with a hard earned 26-19 Super 14 rugby win over the Chiefs in Hamilton tonight.

They scored two tries to one in a match of almost constant ball movement to secure a fourth successive victory since dropping their season-opener to the Reds.

All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter was an important figure, landing six of eight goalkicks for a personal haul of 16 points to complement a brace of tries to halfback Kahn Fotuali'i.

The first half was almost all constant action as both sides looked to use the ball in hand to attack, while the second spell was no less intense but the scoring well dried up as both teams were restricted to a penalty apiece.

Tipping the contest the Crusaders way were their outstanding loose forwards, spearheaded by No 8 Kieran Read and followed closely by All Blacks skipper Richard McCaw playing on the blindside flank.

The contest for possession was particularly fierce at the breakdown, and these two gave the southerners a decided edge to build on their team's superior work at the set pieces.

The Crusaders had first use of a strong wind which swept directly down the ground and they utilised it to their advantage to lead 23-16 at halftime.

Fotuali'i was instrumental in gaining that lead, scoring two tries, the latter ending a frenetic period of play which saw play sweep from one end to the other until the Crusaders stole a turnover and attacked down the short side.

Fotuali'i handled twice, instigating the counter attack then being on hand to accept a return pass from fullback Jared Payne to cross.

That touchdown, in the 30th minute, saw the Crusaders up 20-9 and despite a third penalty to Carter, the Chiefs trimmed the deficit before the break with their only try to centre Richard Kahui.

A storming run from No 8 Colin Bourke saw the Chiefs charge in the 22, and Donald played linkman before offloading for Kahui to cross.

Crusaders 26 (Kahn Fotuali'i 2 tries; Dan Carter 4 pen, 2 con) Chiefs 19 (Richard Kahui try; Stephen Donald 4 pen, con). Halftime: 23-16.

- NZPA