Crusaders lose second game in Super XV to Highlanders to drop to 4th position
Highlanders delivered an upset by defeating the New Zealand conference leader’s Crusaders during the round 10 of Super Rugby 2011.
Both teams were playing their ninth match of the Super XV at Trafalgar Park, Nelson on Saturday April 22, 2011.
This is the Highlanders 7th win in the season as they confirm their fifth position in the Super XV. Crusaders with their second lost in Super XV have slipped from second position to the fourth making way for Blues to secure second spot in the combined Super
XV table. The game has also resulted in three New Zealand Conference teams in the Top 5 of the Super XV.
Crusaders entered the match as favourites to win even as they have ringed number of changes to their side. Highlanders kick off the ball with Crusaders collecting the ball and immediately earned them a penalty.
Dan Carter replacement Matt Berquist, Crusaders’ Fly Half scored on the penalty to put score on the board during the 1st minute of the game. Both teams were playing the game at fast pace as the balls switched halves frequently. Highlanders levelled the score
in the seventh minute as they Fly Half Tony Brown successfully kicked the penalty.
Highlanders with their speed and agility were counterattacking and outpacing the Crusaders. Crusaders clawed back as their star Full Back Israel Dagg creates space on wings and passes the ball to Zac Guildford on Wing.
Guilford carries the ball over the try line to score the first try of the game during the 13th minute of the game. Crusaders Fly Half followed with the conversion to put the Crusaders in lead.
Highlanders replied with the 20th minute try by their Winger Siale Piutau; however, Brown failed to score on Conversion. Matt Berquist’s 23rd minute drop goal gives Crusaders a five-point lead over the Highlanders.
Highlanders levelled the score through their Winger James Paterson try during the 29th minute. Brown scores on conversion to put the Highlanders in lead for the first time with scorecard reading 15-13.
Highlanders started the second half with intensity and extended their lead courtesy of the James Paterson’s second try during the 41st minute. Brown although missed the conversion but Highlanders left the conference leader training by 7 points.
Both teams enjoyed the ball possession and made several handling errors. Crusaders Centre Adam Whitelock intercepted a pass from the Highlanders to score a try during the 56th minute. Berquist missed the conversion as Crusaders lost a chance level the score.
Highlanders Fly Half scored back-to-back penalties during the 60th and 63rd minute respectively to extend the lead to eight points. Highlanders switched to the defensive mode as they denied the Crusaders from scoring any other point during the remaining
17 minutes.
Highlanders’ efforts denied Crusaders from earning a losing bonus point to deliver an upset as both teams fielded their second string players.
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