Waikato Chiefs recovered from an early 10-0 deficit and blanked reigning champions the Canterbury Crusaders after halftime in a 31-10 upset at Christchurch Stadium in the opening match of the new Super Rugby Pacific season on Friday.

Brodie Retallick, skipper Sam Cane, Alex Nankivell and Cortez Ratima scored tries for the Chiefs and Damian McKenzie, returning from Japan to put in an outstanding display at flyhalf, added 11 points from the boot.

The Chiefs also beat the Crusaders in Christchurch in the regular season last year but lost to the 13-times champions in the playoff semi-finals.

"We hung in there really well in the first half but we looked really good when we started dominating collisions in the second half," said Cane.

Crusaders flyhalf Richie Mo'unga scored the first points of the new season from a drop goal and a try from fullback David Havili with Cane in the sin-bin gave them a comfortable lead after 20 minutes.

Lock Brodie Retallick barged over to cut the deficit before halftime, however, and Cane scored with a similar effort four minutes after the break to put the Chiefs in front 14-10.

Crusaders flanker Ethan Blackadder was shown a yellow card just before the hour mark and by the time he returned the Chiefs had scored two more tries.

The Chiefs took immediate advantage of their numerical advantage to send centre Alex Nankivell in and a brilliant break from playmaker Josh Ioane opened up the Crusaders defence for his fellow replacement Cortez Ratima to score.

"I think we were a bit off there, not a great start for us but we'll look to get back on the horse," said Crusaders skipper Scott Barrett.

The New South Wales Waratahs play their first match at their newly rebuilt Sydney Football Stadium home against the ACT Brumbies in Friday's later match.