Chiefs edge Crusaders to launch Super Rugby defence

The Chiefs opened their defence of their back-to-back Super Rugby titles with an 18-10 win over seven-time champions Crusaders on Friday in the first match of the season in the New Zealand conference.

Replacement fullback James Lowe galloped away for a 75-metre intercept try in the final minute to clinch the win for the Chiefs and fly-half Aaron Cruden added a sideline conversion which denied the Crusaders even a consolation bonus point.

Centre Robbie Fruean, who transferred from the Crusaders to the Chiefs in the off-season, opened the scoring with a ninth-minute try which helped his side to an early 11-0 lead. They protected that advantage under exceptional pressure for the remainder of the match.

The Crusaders closed to 11-10 with seven minutes remaining and were pressing the Chiefs line when Lowe pounced on a pass near the right touchline and sprinted away to score his first Super Rugby try.

Cruden’s conversion capped an outstanding victory for the Chiefs, who were without many first-string players. They suffered more injuries during the match, yet beat the team favoured to win the New Zealand conference.

Fruean’s try gave the Chiefs an early boost. The powerful centre, whose career has been dogged by a heart ailment caused by rheumatic fever, finished a movement which began on the Chiefs’ 22 when he brushed off three tacklers, including New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, to score out wide.