After reviewing their performance, assistant coach James Marshall said there was still optimism and hope around their direction.
"We've still got a lot of belief in our game, and it's moments in that game that didn't go our way.
"All the Super Pacific games are won at moments that can swing, and they [the Chiefs] managed to have a couple of those and all of a sudden you're 14 points behind, trying to chase the game, and [we] got caught in that cycle.
"Across the board, the games are so close and it's how we win those important moments that make sure we're on the better side more often than not."
The Crusaders were unable to get the go-forward and carry they had previously, and the Chiefs' line speed was effective.
Chiefs flanker Samipeni Finau put them under pressure on the advantage line and the Crusaders failed to respond quickly enough.
They were disappointed that Chiefs lock Josh Lord did not receive a yellow card for an incident, which resulted in a momentum shift at a stage when the Crusaders might have scored.
With the bye this week, the Crusaders hope their injury issues will be eased when they return to play the Reds. Centre Braydon Ennor may be available.
"He's yet to be confirmed but it's looking pretty positive. He trained well last week and he's going to add a new dimension to our game, he's so strong defensively. It's a nice selection headache in the midfield."
They have not been able to use Levi Aumua as they would like because of their set-piece struggles, which make it hard to get him into the game.
"He's so destructive off set piece, so he wasn't able to get the carries in the starting momentum plays that we can get out of him and he's so effective at. So, finding ways, or us making ways, where he can get him off our phase play and use him better than before is something we've been thinking about.
"He's got a point of difference and it's how we used that, whether it's starting or off the bench."
Hooker Codie Taylor will be back for the Reds game.
"We're looking forward to having him back. His experience and calming demeanour and leadership has been awesome, even at training."
Poor starts in the two games have been an issue and have come under focus, especially the need to be clear with their discipline when in their 22m area.
"Referees are very hard on the defending side once you're in there so it's about getting in there, keeping the ball and you'll see the opposition start giving away those penalties."