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Cape Town - The Crusaders put in a strong second half performance to beat the Blues in their Super Rugby clash in Auckland on Saturday.
As it happened: Blues v Crusaders
The Crusaders won 26-21 after trailling 15-10 at half-time.
The Crusaders scored two tries through wing Nemani Nadolo and replacement scrumhalf Andy Ellis. Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga was on target with both conversions and four penalties.
The Blues replied with two tries of their own - by flyhalf Ihaia West and centre George Moala. West also added a conversion and two penalties. Centre Piers Francis also added a late penalty.
The Crusaders picked up four points for their victory and moved back to the top of the New Zealand Conference and the Australasian Group.
The Blues picked up a single point for losing by seven or fewer points, but continue to prop up the New Zealand Conference. They did however move ahead of the Brumbies into sixth spot in the Australasian Group.
When action resumes after the mid-year Tests in Round 15, the Crusaders will battle the Chiefs in Suva, Fiji (July 1 at 09:35 SA time), while the Blues travel to Wellington to take on the Hurricanes (July 2 at 09:35 SA time).
Teams:
Blues
15 Melani Nanai, 14 Matt Duffie, 13 George Moala, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Billy Guyton, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Kara Pryor, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons (captain), 1 Sam Prattley
Substitutes: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Hoani Matenga, 20 Jack Ram, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Male Sa'u, 23 Lolagi Visinia
Crusaders
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Owen Franks, 6 Matt Todd, 5 Luke Romano, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Jordan Taufua, 2 Joe Moody, 1 Codie Taylor
Substitutes: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Tim Boys, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 David Havili, 23 Marty McKenzie
