Super Rugby: The Blues register their second successive bonus-point victory

Last updated: 1st March 2013  

Luke Braid Blues v Crusaders Super Rugby Round 3 2013

Luke Braid on the charge for the Blues

Blues v Crusaders Super Rugby Round 3 2013

The Blues celebrate after Frank Halai scores

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The Blues continued their superb start to the new Super Rugby season with a 34-15 victory over the Crusaders.

What a difference a year makes for the Blues. Last season the Auckland franchise had endured a torrid campaign with their record of just four wins ultimately costing Pat Lam his job.

However under the guidance of former All Blacks legend John Kirwan the Blues have now won their opening two games - picking up bonus points in both.

At Eden Park, they outscored the seven-time champions five tries to nil - and the margin of victory could have been even greater had Piri Weepu not missed four shots at goal.

Advantage

A first-half double from Frank Halai and a try from Steven Luatua had set the Blues on their way, although they only led 20-12 at the break.

That advantage had been cut to just five points before Luke Braid and George Moala put the game out of sight.

Dan Carter landed all the points for the Crusaders with five penalties, however they could find no way through the Blues defence.

Israel Dagg went the closet to crossing the whitewash but the TMO ruled that he had been guilty of a double movement.

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