The Chiefs were forced to clear their bench after some unusual circumstances with player injuries including a head clash between lock Brodie Retallick and Ben Afeaki which saw hooker Nathan Harris forced to make his Super Rugby debut as flanker.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie admitted it was an eventful night from the coaches' box and the changing room had plenty of battered players post match. "The boys displayed amazing courage under pressure. Ultimately we played a large chunk of the game without the ball and for us to defend that long against a Crusaders side of that depth is a testament to the character of the group.
"We were really impressed with the seven players who made their Chiefs debut, led by some outstanding performances from our senior players."
The seven players Rennie refers are Tevita Koloamatangi, James Lowe, Nathan Harris, Matt Symons, Brad Webber and dynamic centre Robbie Fruean and prop Jamie Mackintosh wore Chiefs colours for the first time.
The Chiefs will play their first home game at Waikato Stadium on Saturday, March 1 at 7.35pm against the Highlanders. Dave Rennie will name his side to take on the Southern men on Thursday afternoon.
The match will feature performances from the Chiefs Maori Toa group, The Bank Cheerleaders and the infamous pre-match fireworks. For the kids there will be a free bouncy castle, face painting and a free kids pack for those who have tickets to the alcohol- free Kidzone.
Chiefs' fans can still secure their season memberships before the Highlanders hit town with memberships available from $75. Match day adult tickets start at $19; children 14 and under start at $9 and kids 4 years and under are free on the knee. Gates to the match sponsored open at 6pm.
Photo caption - Robbie Fruean crosses the line for the Chiefs first try. Photo by www.sportpix.co.nz
