Crusaders win crucial match against Hurricanes 16-9 in Super Rugby clash
The Crusaders defeated the Hurricanes 16-9 in a hotly contested Super Rugby fixture played in Wellington, on June 18.
The knock out weekend victory has strengthened the Crusaders position for the play-offs which are starting in the first week of the July. It was a crucial game for the Crusaders because win would help them qualify for the play-offs and would also let them
snatch the New Zealander derbies top spot from the Blues. They were placed fourth at the point’s tables before this match but the win gave them enough points to make it into the next stage of Super Rugby championship.
The Crusaders started off the match without their skipper Richie McCaw and promising young player Sonny Bill William due to various injuries. It seemed like the crowd missed the pace in the absence of McCaw and Williams. However, the Crusaders win was propelled
by Dan Carter and Andrew Ellis, who contributed 13 points to their team’s total.
The Hurricanes, who were already out of the play-off run, had nothing to lose. They went onto the pitch and played fearless rugby and gave the Crusaders a run for their money.
The Crusaders were provided with an opportunity to score early on in the game and Dan Carter was there to make it 3-0 on a penalty kick in the 15th minute of the match. Aaron Cruden levelled the score in the same fashion with five minutes to go
in the first-half. However, Carter helped the Crusaders with another three-pointer with just two minutes left before break time.
The sluggish play continued to end of the first-half and Crusaders were leading the game by 6-3 at the interval.
The Crusaders picked their game up in the second half as Robbie Fruean touched down at the scoring line in the 43rd minute of the match. The follow up conversion kick was well executed by Dan Carter and the Crusaders raised their total to 13-3.
Ellis scored the sole drop goal for Crusaders in the 68th minute of the game. The Crusaders made a few more efforts to increase their lead but the defence of the Hurricanes stood firm and kept the ball away from the scoring line.
Aaron Cruden was the only point scorer for the Hurricanes as he kicked three successful attempts for his team.
The victory has put the Crusaders on top of the other New Zealander derbies with 61 points after 16 outgoings.
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