Crusaders captain Kieran Read has blamed the number of penalties his team conceded for their 24-19 loss to the Chiefs.

Former Champions the Crusaders were forced to move the match from Christchurch to Napier so the loss will be made more painful as it was a home loss even though it was in Napier.

The writing was on the wall early for the Crusaders as the Chiefs started with much greater intensity although it took them almost half an hour to score their first try when Liam Messam bashed over the line.

The Crusaders were trailing 6-16 at half time and their scrum had taken a beating.

The Crusaders however scored the first try of the second half when Robbie Fruean scored from a Kieran Read pass which brought the Crusaders to within three points.

Just as the Crusaders thought they might be catching the Chiefs Sona Taumalolo scored for the visitors which extended their lead and although the Crusaders added two further penalties they were not able to catch up.

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

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

The Crusaders have a break next weekend to work on their problems while the Chiefs host the Brumbies in Hamilton.