Errors cost Chiefs at Waikato Stadium

A series of errors led to an 18-17 loss for the Chiefs against the Crusaders at Waikato Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Chiefs gained momentum early in the first half with their kicking game but were unable to carry it into the second half.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said the Chiefs had “difficulty in controlling the ball during play and struggled in the lineout time”.

The Chiefs’ problems began when Gareth Anscombe kicked out on the full at the starting kick off, then Tanerau Latimer was penalized  for playing the ball on the ground.

The Chiefs had a series of errors including failing to win lineouts, which gave away penalties to the Crusaders.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder knew that the developing weather conditions would be critical.

“We  needed to keep the pressure on, control the ball, control the game,” he said.

“Colin Slade controlled the game really well, taking the opportunities to play really well.”

Blackadder said: “Something just clicked and the team got belief and the hunger was there.”