In bouncing back from their 34-32 loss to the Hurricanes last time out, the Crusaders moved seven points clear of the Blues in the table with just two games to go.

Early tries from Tom Sanders and Will Jordan set the 10-time Super Rugby champions on their way and though the boot of Damian McKenzie, who converted four penalties, kept the Chiefs in the hunt, Lachlan Boshier provided their only five-pointer.

Codie Taylor, Sevu Reece and Leicester Fainga'anuku also went over for the Crusaders as Sam Whitelock had extra cause for celebration on his 150th appearance for the franchise.

In contrast, Aaron Cruden's 100th outing for the Chiefs was one to forget as they fell to an eighth straight loss.