An old-fashioned encounter saw the Chiefs walk away with a hard-earned 24-19 win over the Crusaders at McLean Park in Napier on Friday - giving the 'visitors' back-to-back wins and the 'home' team their second successive defeat.

It was officially a home game for the Crusaders, but they chose to play in Napier, because their new home ground in Christchurch is not ready yet.

The Crusaders, bristling with All Blacks, blew a series of chances in drizzly conditions and failed to impose themselves on a Chiefs team enjoying the momentum of a comprehensive win over the Blues last week.

The Crusaders are the most successful side in Super Rugby history, with seven championships to their name, but have been far from convincing this season and the result leaves them with only one win from three games.

"In patches we put it together but too many penalties really killed us," Crusaders captain Kieran Read said, promising a swift improvement.

"There's a long way to go in this competition, we'll definitely be working on a few things."

The Chiefs' youthful pack remained undaunted by their seasoned opponents and recorded a two-try-to-one victory.

Afterwards standout performer for the Chiefs, Tongan prop Sona Taumalolo, said he was pleased with the team's effort and were able to get the right result.

“I know we done our job and yeah pretty proud of the boys," Taumalolo said.

"We hung in there and finished off the game.” he added.