SUVA, Fiji (AP) Fullback Damien McKenzie starred as the Chiefs beat the Crusaders 23-13 to reclaim the lead in Super Rugby's New Zealand conference on Friday as the tournament resumed after a four-week break for June tests.
McKenzie kicked two conversions and three penalties and had a major hand in the one of the Chiefs' two tries, both scored before halftime, which paved the way for an upset win. The Hamilton-based Chiefs endured extreme defensive pressure in the early stages of the match before breaking out to a 17-3 lead with tries to winger James Lowe and scrumhalf Brad Weber.
Local star Jone Macilai scored a try after the halftime siren which threatened a Crusaders' comeback but the Chiefs kept control through the second half on a rain-soaked field.
