Crusaders too strong for Blues

The Crusaders got their Super Rugby campaign back on track by beating the Blues 28-13 at the AMI Stadium in Christchurch

The Crusaders dominated all of the important statistics in the match such as territory and possession but were unable to turn their massive advantage into points.

The Crusaders were beaten at home last week while the Blues beat the Highlanders in Auckland but made sweeping changes for this week.

The Crusaders outscored the Blues by three tries to one so they failed to earn the bonus point from the match and the Crusaders last try cost the Blues a losing bonus point.

With their forwards on top, the home side were rewarded with a penalty try in the 18th minute after the Blues repeatedly collapsed the scrum.

The Crusaders went into the break unlucky to be up only 13-3 after failing to fully capitalise on a string of handling errors and penalties from the Blues.

The aggression continued with two chances for the Crusaders after the restart.

First prop Joe Moody was held up over the line, then Auckland needed desperate defence from Ihaia West to prevent a Jordan Taufua try.

New All Blacks captain Kieran Read finally broke through after a run from winger Nemani Nadolo left the Blues’ defence flat footed.

Winger Tevita Li managed a consolation try for the Blues but Richie Mo’unga sealed the Crusaders’ victory with a five-pointer in the final minute.

Next week in Round 3 the Crusaders have a bye while the Blues return to Auckland where they will host the Hurricanes.

Final Score Crusaders 28 (13) Blues 13 (3)

Scorers

Crusaders
Tries – Penalty Try, K.Read, R.Mo’unga
Pen – R.Mo’unga 3
Con – R.Mo’unga 2
Drop –
Cards –

Blues
Tries – T.Li
Pen – M.McGahan, I.West
Con – I.West
Drop –
Cards –

Match Officials
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 1:Chris Pollock
Assistant Ref 2:Brendon Pickerill
TMO : Ben Skeen

Teams

Crusaders

1. Joe Moody,2. Codie Taylor,3. Owen Franks ,4. Scott Barrett,5. Samuel Whitelock (C),6. Jordan Taufua,7. Tim Boys,8. Kieran Read,9. Andy Ellis,10. Richie Mo’unga,11. Nemani Nadolo,12. Kieron Fonotia, 13. Sean Wainui,14. Jone Macilai,15. David Havili

Replacements : Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Mike Alaalatoa, Jimmy Tupou, Pete Samu, Leon Fukofuka, Ben Volavola, Johnny McNicholl

Blues

Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Quentin MacDonald, Sione Mafileo, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis, Jerome Kaino (C), Blake Gibson, Steven Luatua; Billy Guyton, Matt McGahan, Tevita Li, George Moala, Rene Ranger, Melani Nanai, Matt Duffie.

Replacements: James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Charlie Faumuina, Akira Ioane, Kara Pryor, Bryn Hall, Ihaia West, Male Sa’u.