A second half surge has delivered the Chiefs a stunning 49-24 thumping of the Crusaders in Hamilton.
Quinn Tupaea finished with a double as the hosts blew away the Crusaders in a match that was evenly balanced for 50 minutes.
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The Chiefs started the scoring through winger Emoni Narawa’s quick tap in the fourth minute, with Damian McKenzie’s penalty giving them an early 10-0 lead.
However, their momentum was halted as they dealt with early injuries.
Captain Luke Jacobson came off the field with a broken nose, quickly followed over by centre Rameka Poihipi after he fell awkwardly in a tackle.
The Crusaders capitalised on the chaos and it was magic man Kyle Preston with the answer.
Preston, in his debut start, made it four tries in two game when Cullen Grace went through the gap and found the scrum half.
Ethan Blackadder followed this up after a smart quick tap from Sevu Reece and when James O’Connor came on and slotted a penalty, the scores were even.
This is where the Chiefs turned the game as coach Clayton McMillan unleashed his bench with great success.
Winger Leroy Carter started a run of five straight tries after burning the visitors on the edge.
Samipeni Finau followed him over before Josh Jacomb finished off a great Damian McKenzie break.
Tupaea was in the mood to celebrate in his 50th game for the club and got the opportunity to mark his milestone with two tries in three minutes.
Antonio Shalfoon stopped the bleeding for the Crusaders with a late try but it was too little, too late.
It sends the Chiefs into a clash with the Brumbies full of momentum and on top of the ladder for the time being.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders will head to the bye hoping their injury list eases as they prepare for the Queensland Reds in 16 days time.
