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All-conquering Crusaders beat Chiefs to maintain perfect record
By Peter Thompson
The Crusaders juggernaut rolls on after they beat Chiefs 31-24 in an almighty Super Rugby tussle in Suva on Friday.
Crusaders had lost their last four matches against Chiefs, but came from 17-13 down at half-time to defeat their New Zealand rivals at ANZ Stadium.
Scott Robertson's side were outscored by four tries to three, but Richie Mo'unga scored 16 points with the boot to ensure the New Zealand Conference leaders made it 12 wins out of 12 this season.
Chiefs, fresh from a bye last week, threatened to consign Crusaders to a first loss of the year after Tim Nanai-Williams went over in the corner and James Lowe touched down five minutes later following two Mo'unga penalties.
FULLTIME: @chiefs outscore @crusadersrugby four tries to three but lose in Suva #CHIvCRU https://t.co/2IDq3PvR3d pic.twitter.com/6C0pRgo3tb
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) May 19, 2017
Crusaders hit back with their first five-pointer from Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, although Chiefs felt Owen Franks had been obstructed by Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
Kane Hames responded by barging his way over and Aaron Cruden converted for the first time on the night to give Chiefs a four-point advantage at the end of a first half in which Crusaders lost Ryan Crotty, who failed to pass a concussion test.
Crusaders stepped it up following the interval, reaping the rewards with a superb try from David Havili and another from Ben Funnell, with Mo'unga converting and adding two penalties either side of Cruden showing a sharp turn of foot to dive over.
Cruden was unable to match the standards set by Mo'unga from the tee as Chiefs suffered only their second loss of the season and trail Crusaders by 11 points.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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