Pulse Energy Highlanders and All Blacks fullback Ben Smith admitted that they were out-muscled by a strong Gallagher Chiefs side last night.
Smith says the Chiefs were clinical in the first-half.
Meanwhile the Chiefs who hosted the Crusaders at the ANZ Stadium two years ago, were backed by a vocal crowd last night as they run riot to a 42-nil lead at half time.
Fans favorite Damian McKenzie was outstanding with a 100% kicking record and led the Waikato based side to a win.
Chiefs center Charlie Ngatai says that their past experience at the ANZ Stadium has got them the advantage over the host.
In the other results, the Brumbies produced a superb performance to overcome the Hurricanes 24‑12, the Sharks kept their quarter‑final hopes alive with a 31‑24 come‑from‑behind victory over the Lions, the Sunwolves snatched an outstanding 42‑37 triumph over the Bulls in Singapore while the Jaguares beat the Stormers 25-14 this morning.
Looking at the overall Super Rugby points table, the Crusaders are still leading with 54 points, the Lions are in second place with 41, the Waratahs are in third place with 39, the Hurricanes in fourth with 45, the Chiefs are in fifth place with 41 points while the Highlanders are in sixth place with 40 points.
