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Match Report: Crusaders cruise on Crockett's big night
By Ben Spratt
The Crusaders marked Wyatt Crockett's 200th Super Rugby game with a 45-22 triumph over rivals the Highlanders.
The former New Zealand prop became the first player to reach a double-century of Super Rugby appearances in an ultimately comfortable win at Wyatt Crockett Stadium - renamed for one match in honour of his achievement - as he attempts to inspire the defending champions to another title in his final season.
George Bridge crossed twice, while Richie Mo'unga contributed one try, four conversions and four penalties, as the Crusaders pulled further clear at the league's summit.
All Blacks captain Kieran Read played for the Crusaders for the first time this year, while the Highlanders' Liam Squire passed a fitness test to start.
The Crusaders started brightly and had a pair of early tries through Bridge and David Kaetau Havili.
Tyrel Lomax soon responded, however, and Lima Sopoaga and Ben Smith then led a brilliant breakaway for the latter to cross and narrow the deficit to a single point.
Scott Barrett charged through before the break to restore a healthy Crusaders lead, and the tries kept coming following the restart, as Mo'unga and Waisake Naholo traded scores.
It was Bridge who then completed the scoring, the full-time whistle blowing after Crockett turned down the opportunity to attempt a late penalty kick, to the disappointment of the home crowd.
Elsewhere, the Rebels' post-season hopes were hit by their failure to take top spot in the Australian Conference in a 37-23 defeat at the Reds.
The Melbourne side were in front through tries from Angus Cottrell and Jack Maddocks, following a Reds penalty try, but the visitors fell apart on the stroke of half-time.
Maddocks' kick was charged down by Izack Rodda, who crossed unchallenged, before Filipo Daugunu added another after the siren.
Jono Lance capped a fine night with his boot by getting a try late on, ending with 20 points in a superb individual display.
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Latest Comments
I'm very aware that GB is not UK.
Also that the British Isles are not the same as the British Islands.
I still think your objection to calling this a tour to the UK is stupid and pedantic.
I repeat what I send earlier, the Boks are not playing anywhere except in the UK.
It's legitimate therefore to call this a tour to the UK.
But this is boring now, goodnight, goodbye. And good luck with your crusade (that really doesn't have any bearing on what the article is discussing.)
Go to commentsHappy for Asher Opoku-Fordjour but why oh why is he the only new face, Borthwick didn't have to change 50% of the team but surely another 2 or 3 squad guys could have been given the chance to show what they could do? What can we possibly learn from this game other than we can beat Japan with a strong team.... hold the front page....!!
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