David Havili the hero as Crusaders snap Chiefs’ winning streak in thriller

Captain David Havili was the hero for the Crusaders in a 36-32 win over the Chiefs in a thrilling New Zealand derby, which has seen the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions keep their unbeaten streak alive at One New Zealand Stadium.

The Crusaders have extended their new-home record to 3-0 after overcoming the NSW Waratahs in Super Round, and then defeating the Blues last week. But this effort against the Chiefs required a particularly brave effort, with the contest coming right down to the wire.

It’s also brought an end to the Chiefs’ remarkable winning streak, which dated back to late March. After losing to the ACT Brumbies at Canberra’s GIO Stadium, the Chiefs had won their last seven before Friday’s epic.

Leicester Fainga’anuku was penalised inside two minutes for not rolling away, with the Chiefs opting to kick for touch. Josh Jacomb sent the ball across the sideline just outside the attacking 22, as the Chiefs set up for an early opportunity for points.

All Blacks and Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho threw the ball into the lineout, with the visitors regathering possession after a messy contest. But the Chiefs were forced back to the halfway line, before Cortez Ratima sent a box kick up for the outside backs to challenge.

Rivez Reihana got to the loose ball, but the first five-eighth knocked it on. The Chiefs set up for a scrum practically where the lineout had been only moments earlier, but this time, it was a far more successful venture inside the Crusaders half.

The Chiefs built up phases, making their way closer and closer to the try line. Fullback Isaac Hutchinson had the Crusaders defence scrambling with an effective line break, and the Chiefs played with confidence and front-foot ball from there.

Jacomb helped spread the ball towards the right touchline, finding winger Kyren Taumoefolau, who still had plenty to do. Taumoefolau beat multiple Crusaders defenders with a right-foot step and managed to reach out for the opening five points.

The Crusaders had their chances hit back almost immediately. Ill-discipline hurt the Chiefs, with the home side kicking for the corner, and the defending champions were utterly relentless in their pursuit of points.

Noah Hotham had seemingly broken the game open with a moment of brilliance, but the TMO saw otherwise. Sevu Reece delivered a quick lineout to Hotham around halfway, with the scrum-half racing 50 metres to the house.

But a desperate cover tackle from Hutchinson, who had produced a similar try-saving effort on Fijian Drua No. 9 Frank Lomani in Super Round, saw Hotham’s boot hit the line. The TMO ruled out the effort, but there was a sense of inevitability about the Crusaders.

Discipline continued to be a talking point against the Chiefs, with the Crusaders unleashing wave after wave of attacking pressure. Fainga’anuku was eventually the one to strike for the hosts, but the failed conversion from Reihana kept the Chiefs in front by two.

It only took the Chiefs five minutes to build their lead back to seven. Taukei’aho benefited from a rampaging rolling maul inside the red zone, with the Chiefs forwards making their mark, earning every metre with the line within sight.

But a pattern began to emerge.

The Crusaders answered back through lock Jamie Hannah five minutes later, who managed to stay within the field of play by a matter of inches. Liam Coombes-Fabling offered a powerful shot on defence, but Hannah did enough to score just inside the left sideline.

Josh Lord burrowed over for bounce-back Chiefs points later in the half, but the trend of these two powerhouse sides trading sides continued. Christian Lio-Willie dove over for what ended up being the final try-scoring say of the half, touching down with a few minutes left.

The Crusaders continued their search for points as the half-time siren sounded, but a knock-on brought an end to an entertaining half of Super Rugby. While both teams scored three tries each, the Chiefs went into the sheds up two.

Jacomb gave the Chiefs a little more breathing room on the scoreboard, knocking over a penalty attempt a few minutes into the second term. The Chiefs seemed to control the possession battle from there, but it was the defending champs who struck next.

As the Chiefs backs looked to spread the ball wide, an error saw the Crusaders pounce. Johnny McNicholl sent Reece on a break down the right edge, before the prolific try-scorer delivered an offload back inside to the former Welsh international.

Replacement playmaker Taha Kemara remained cool and calm under pressure, nailing the tough conversion attempt to give the Crusaders the lead for the first time. But their lead didn’t last too long at all, with big-name players stepping up for the Chiefs.

The backs made amends for the Chiefs, with Jacomb linking up with inside centre Quinn Tupaea with a set-piece play inside the red zone. Tupaea was sent straight through the Crusaders’ defensive line, running a sharp line onto a perfectly weighed short ball.

Jacomb added another three points to the Chiefs’ lead off the kicking tee soon after, but Crusaders refused to throw in the towel. McNicholl completed a double with an effort in the 70^th minute, before captain David Havili sent the home crowd crazy with a 50/22.

Havili ended up scoring under the sticks in the 75th minute.

Kemara missed a penalty attempt on the 80-minute mark, with the Chiefs having one last shot at it. But Fainga’anku ultimately sent the ball into the stands, bringing an all-time classic to a dramatic end.