Blues riposte stuns Crusaders
A three-try second-half comeback from the Blues stunned the Crusaders as the hosts won 24-22 at Eden Park on Saturday.
Last Updated: 20/02/11 10:58am
A three-try second-half comeback from the Blues stunned the Crusaders as the hosts won 24-22 at Eden Park.
Early-season cobwebs were evident in Auckland but the spillages were outweighed by immense tackles and running rugby, with the usual Super suspects showcasing their skills.
The Blues, like in 2010, lacked the consistency that will be required to contest for the title while many missed kicks from Stephen Brett almost cost the hosts.
However, their captain fantastic Keven Mealamu stood tall to snatch a win for his side.
They were 19-6 down at the half-time break and with the Crusaders demonstrating all of their streetwise capabilities, Pat Lam's outfit needed to lift their game and did just that with tries coming via Benson Stanley, Tony Woodcock and Mealamu.
The comeback began after a slightly frustrating half for the home side as wayward shots at goal from Brett, and indeed Daniel Carter, meant that Sean Maitland and Andy Ellis' tries were the difference going into the dressing rooms.
But then came the class of the Blues. Rene Ranger and Isaia Toeava were both a constant counter-attacking threat and it was the former who proved the catalyst for Stanley's score with a break down the left wing.
Auckland was beginning to believe that the comeback was on at 19-11, despite Brett's continued off night with the boot.
And when Woodcock burrowed his way over from close range, the stage was set for Mealamu to show his experience - breaking down the blindside from a maul, there was no stopping the All Black.
Blues continued to push forward searching for the clinching score and while Brett's replacement Lachie Munro missed a late penalty, the hosts ended the game well on top.
