Crusaders bounce back to winning ways

Cape Town - The Crusaders returned to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over the Waratahs in their Super Rugby clash in Christchurch on Friday.

As it happened: Crusaders v Waratahs

The Crusaders won 29-10 after leading 22-5 at half-time.

The Crusaders, who were beaten by the Highlanders in their last outing, scored four tries through wing Johnny McNicholl, fullback Israel Dagg, flyhalf Richie Mo'unga and flank Jordan Taufua. Mo'unga was also on target with three conversions and a penalty.

The Waratahs replied with tries by wing Rob Horne and replacement Zac Guilford. Flyhalf Bernard Foley added a conversion.

The Crusaders picked up four points for their victory to extend their lead atop the New Zealand Conference and the Australasian Group.

The Waratahs left empty-handed, but remained top of the Australian Conference and second in the Australasian Group.

In next weekend's Round 14 action, the Crusaders travel to Auckland to face the Blues (Saturday, May 28 at 09:35 SA time), while the Waratahs host the Chiefs in Sydney (Friday, May 27 at 11:45 SA time).

Teams:

Crusaders

15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Jone Macilai, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody

Substitutes: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Mika Alaalatoa, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Tim Boys, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 David Havili, 23 Marty McKenzie

Waratahs

15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Reece Robinson, 13 Israel Folau, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dean Mumm, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Davie Dennis, 3 Tom Robertson, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Paddy Ryan 

Substitutes: 16 Angus Ta’avao, 17 Hugh Roach, 18 Jeremy Tilse, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Wycliff Palu, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 Matt Carraro, 23 Zac Guildford