In what was a gutsy effort, the Chiefs beat the Crusaders 18-10 in a match that featured plenty of drama for Chiefs fans last Friday night.
Now those fans are being called upon to fill Waikato Stadium this Saturday night to match the heroic performance by the back-to-back champions.
The Chiefs' warriors stood up against the Crusaders and put on a true display of Chiefs mana for the entire match.
Robbie Fruean scored an impressive try off a quick line out from Mils Muliaina. Co-captain Aaron Cruden led the side with his line breaks and tactical kicks but was denied a try by a Crusaders tackle on the line.
Five players made their Super Rugby debut, including winger James Lowe who had a dream start to his Super Rugby career. Lowe put the nail in the coffin for the Crusaders when he scored an intercept try, running 90m to dot down in the dying minutes of the game to give the Chiefs four valuable points.