1
Crusaders hold on for tight South Island derby win over Highlanders
By AAP
The Crusaders have held on through a scoreless second half and with 14 men for the last three minutes to beat the Highlanders 17-14 in Super Rugby Pacific.
Both teams scored two tries in a first half of tit-for-tat scoring and a penalty by All Blacks flyhalf Richie Mo'unga in the 26th minute proved unexpectedly decisive in Christchurch on Friday night.
The winless Highlanders spent much of the second half and almost all of the final quarter on attack.
But they were unable to break down the resolute Crusaders' defence which refused to yield even when replacement hooker Shilo Klein was shown a red card in 77th minute for a shoulder charge which struck the head of Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot.
The Crusaders showed a remarkable ability to hold out under concerted pressure and to win crucial turnovers at the tackled ball through players such as flanker Ethan Blackadder and winger Sevu Reece.
"It was a heck of a battle," Crusaders captain Scott Barrett said. "The conditions forced both teams into playing that pressure game and it was a real see-saw right to the final whistle."
The first half had all the action the second half lacked. The Highlanders twice were in front and on both occasions the Crusaders were able to reply.
Highlanders hooker Andrew Makalio scored the first converted try of the match in the seventh minute from a clever lineout move worked with backrower Shannon Frizell.
The Crusaders replied in the 13th with a try to prop Fletcher Newell, created by centre David Havili who recovered his own kick on attack and quickly moved the ball to Mitchell Drummond, who fed Newell at pace.
The Highlanders again went ahead in the 19th minute with a try to centre Scott Gregory, also converted by Ben Hunt.
Again the Crusaders responded, this time through a powerful run by centre Leicester Fainga'anuku.
In the meantime Mo'unga kicked the penalty that proved the difference between the teams.
"I was really proud of our effort," Highlander s captain Aaron Smith said. "We were able to stay in the game for 80 minutes and put the best team in the competition under a lot of pressure."
The Highlanders remain without a win after six matches while the Crusaders have five wins from six games.
Crusaders 17 (Tries to Fletcher Newell and Leicester Fainga'anuku; 2 conversions and penalty to Richie Mo'unga)
Highlanders 14 (Tries to Andrew Makalio and Scott Gregory; 2 conversions to Mitch Hunt)
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
Go to comments