Two opportunistic tries from fullback Will Jordan were enough to see the Crusaders home 18-13 over the Chiefs in wintry conditions in Christchurch.
With a slippery ball forcing turnover after turnover, two lapses in concentration ultimately saw the northerners gift their hosts the openings they needed to nail a Super Rugby Aotearoa victory on Sunday.
With halftime nearing and the score locked at 3-3, Crusaders first-five Richie Mo'unga punted high from his own half, but jumping high, Chiefs fullback Damian McKenzie could not secure the ball, spilling it into the arms of Sevu Reece, who made good ground down the right touchline, before fining Jordan in support.
His second try came soon after the break, as the Chiefs tried to counterattack from their own 22. When a pass spilled into touch, no-one thought to cover Reece's quick throw-in, which found Jordan ready to exploit the momentary lapse in attention.
Even at 15-3 - and later 18-3, when Mo'unga slotted his second penalty - the Hamilton-based side were not out of the contest.
They had a try of their own, when veteran Adam Thomson won an attacking lineout, Sean Wainui hit the line hard and was on hand again a few phases later to slide over the line.
McKenzie converted and kicked a subsequent penalty to bring his side within striking distance of victory, but despite position and possession in the dying moments, they could not finish the job, falling to their third straight loss of the revamped Super Rugby format.
After a first-round bye, the Crusaders now face a southern derby against Highlanders in Dunedin next Saturday, before taking a shot at the Blues' unbeaten record in two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs and the Hurricanes face off in Hamilton on Sunday, both chasing their first victory since the coronavirus shutdown ended.
Crusaders 18 (Jordan 2 tries; Mo'unga conversion & 2 penalties) Chiefs 13 (Wainui try, McKenzie conversion & 2 penalties)
