Crusaders defeat the Chiefs in Napier by 25-19 - Super Rugby news
The injury struck Crusaders defeated the Chiefs in a Super Rugby match played on May 20th, in Napier. Dan Carter scored 20 points for his side to come back from defeat as the Crusaders secured their ninth victory of the current Super Rugby season
after 13 outgoings.
The Chiefs, who hosted the Crusaders in Mclean Park stadium in Napier in the 14th round of Super Rugby, started off the game well but could not perform in the second half. The Crusaders came on to the field after a 33-20 defeat at the hands of
Cheetahs last weekend. This was a must-win match for the Chiefs who produced an upset performance against the Stormers in Hamilton on May14th.
The Crusaders started off the match with large scale changes due to the high rate of injuries in the current Super Rugby season. Their versatile player, Sonny Bill Williams, was out for the game because of a knee injury and was replaced by Ryan Crotty. Ben
Franks was moved to tighthead position whereas his brother, Owen Franks, started off the game on the bench. Meanwhile, it was a big day for the Chiefs young 19-year-old flanker, Sam Cane, who made his Super Rugby debut today.
Lelia Masaga failed a late fitness test which allowed Chiefs Tim Nanai-Williams to start on the wing and Mike Delany came onto the bench. Dan Carter, who re-signed with New Zealand Rugby Union with a fresh deal for four years, opened the account for Crusaders
with a successful penalty kick during the second minute of the match. Stephen Donald levelled the score two minutes later on a penalty and set the offensive tone of the match. Donald kept on scoring for Chiefs on penalties as he added three more during the
14th, 49th, and 65th minutes of the game.
The score was hanging in the balance at half time as both sides scored. Carter added another penalty kick at the last minute and drew the score even at six each. The Crusaders looked sharp in the second part of the game and scored a few quick points right
after the interval. Romano scored his first try of the match for the Crusaders followed by an excellent conversion from Carter.
It was all about Dan Carter later in the match for the Christchurch based Crusaders. He added more points to his teams total with two penalties and a well executed drop-goal. They ended up the match with a smooth sail over the Chiefs by 25-19.
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