The Hurricanes still have an outside shot at the Super Rugby Aotearoa title but it was another miserable day for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs were unable to mark Aaron Cruden's 100th appearance with a victory as the Crusaders bounced back from losing to the Hurricanes.
Ben Smith and Aaron Cruden are the latest New Zealand World Cup winners to agree moves to Kobe Steelers.
All Blacks star Beauden Barrett impressed as the Blues withstood the Chiefs to end their run of back-to-back losses.
Sio Tomkinson's late try saw the Highlanders edge the Chiefs in a thriller.
The Hurricanes claimed their first win of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season on Sunday.
Will Jordan scored two tries as the Crusaders held off the Chiefs in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The Blues overcame an error-strewn first half to claim a 24-12 victory and condemn the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby Aotearoa defeats.
Bryn Gatland turned a joke with his father into reality when he proved to be the Highlanders' match-winner against the Chiefs.
It was a family affair at Forsyth Barr Stadium, with Bryn Gatland securing victory over the Highlanders over Warren Gatland's Chiefs.
There will be no limits on crowd numbers when the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition gets underway this week in New Zealand.
Super Rugby Aotearoa will see several rule changes when it kicks off on June 13.
Super Rugby Aotearoa, to be played by New Zealand's five teams, will begin on June 13.
New Zealand's five Super Rugby teams are on track to return to action amid the coronavirus pandemic.
SANZAAR chief executive Andy Marinos has described reports over potential alternatives to Super Rugby as "merely speculative."
With Super Rugby suspended and teams facing losses of revenue, New Zealand Rugby's chief executive is confident it can manage the crisis.