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Champions Crusaders outclass Hurricanes, as Brumbies stampede
By Russell Greaves
The Crusaders made it a club-record 17 wins in a row with a dominant 38-22 victory over the Hurricanes on Saturday.
The reigning Super Rugby champions were at their fluent best in a commanding display that saw them race into a 24-0 half-time lead.
Scott Robertson's side ran in six tries against the side they beat in last year's semi-final, with All Blacks duo Richie Mo'unga and Scott Barrett claiming two apiece.
Fellow international Jordan Taufua also got in on the act, while recent Test debutant George Bridge grabbed the hosts' final try.
The Waratahs bounced back from their narrow opening-round loss to the Hurricanes in fitting fashion.
Having been beaten by a point, they wrapped up a 31-30 victory against the Sunwolves in Tokyo.
Elsewhere, in a game between two sides who started the season with defeats, the Brumbies thrashed the Chiefs 54-17.
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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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