Crusaders hold off Chiefs in Christchurch

The Crusaders made it back-to-back wins to start the Super Rugby Aotearoa season with an 18-13 victory over the Chiefs on Sunday.

Will Jordan scored tries either side of half-time for the Crusaders at a rainy Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.

It marked the Crusaders’ second win in as many games this season, while the Chiefs fell to a 0-3 record.

The wet conditions made for a tricky opening and Richie Mo’unga and Damian McKenzie traded penalties in the first 24 minutes.

Jordan went over seven minutes before half-time for the Crusaders, Sevu Reece taking a high kick on the wing before throwing a pass inside.

The take, the offload from Sevu Reece & the gas from Will Jordan. Just wow.

: @skysportnz #CRUvCHI pic.twitter.com/V0DsqSaUKP

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) June 28, 2020

The Crusaders caught the Chiefs off guard early in the second half, a quick play seeing Jordan cross again to make it 15-3.

 You snooze, you lose.

Will Jordan punishing the @ChiefsRugby in Christchurch at the moment.

: @skysportnz #CRUvCHI pic.twitter.com/la114fvO1w

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) June 28, 2020

Mo’unga’s penalty had the Crusaders up 18-3 with 20 minutes to go, but the Chiefs threatened a late comeback.

Sean Wainui crashed over before McKenzie converted and then kicked a penalty, although the Crusaders were largely untroubled in the closing stages.

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