Crusaders show class in beating Chiefs

Cape Town - The Crusaders showed their championship credentials with an ultimately resounding victory over the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday.

As it happened: Crusaders v Chiefs

The Crusaders won 45-23 after leading 19-17 at half-time.

The Crusaders overcame two first half yellow cards issued to flyhalf Richie Mo'unga and prop Michael Alaalatoa to score seven tries through flank Matt Todd, Mo'unga himself, No 8 Jordan Taufua, lock Sam Whitelock, wing George Bridge, replacement back Manasa Mataele and a controversial penalty try.

Mo'unga, who had a solid night despite his sinbinning, added three conversions, while fullback David Havili was also on target with a conversion.

The Chiefs were hard-hit by injuries to flank Mitchell Brown, lock Dominic Bird and fullback Charlie Ngatai among others, scored two tries through flank Sam Cane and wing Solomon Alaimalo. Flyhalf Damian McKenzie added two conversions and three penalties.

The Crusaders picked up a full-house of five points for their victory, while the Chiefs left empty-handed.

In next weekend's Round 3 action the Crusaders welcome the Stormers to Christchurch (Saturday, March 3 at 08:35 SA time), while the Chiefs travel to Auckland to face the Blues (Friday, March 2 at 08:35 SA time).

Teams:

Crusaders

15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Pete Samu, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Luke Romano, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett 

Substitutes: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Chris King, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Billy Harmon, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Manasa Mataele 

Chiefs

15 Charlie Ngatai (co-captain), 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Johnny Fa'auli, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Taleni Seu, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Mitchell Brown, 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2  Nathan Harris, 1 Aidan Ross