Crusaders wear down the Blues to claim first Super Rugby win of the season
Last Updated: 07/03/16 11:34am
The Crusaders displayed their Super Rugby credentials with a 28-13 win over the Blues in Christchurch on Friday.
The seven-time champions Crusaders hit back after being defeated 27-21 by the Chiefs last week.
The Crusaders, coming off the shock of an opening-round loss at home, dominated the early exchanges as the sides traded penalties.
With their forwards on top, the home side were rewarded with a penalty try in the 18th minute after the Blues repeatedly collapsed the scrum.
With the try converted the Crusaders went into the break 13-3 ahead, but would have felt the margin should have been bigger after failing to fully capitalise on a series of opportunities to score on the back of handling errors and penalties from the Blues.
The aggression continued with two chances for the Crusaders after the restart. First, prop Joe Moody was held up over the line, then Auckland needed desperate defence from Ihaia West to prevent a Jordan Taufua try.
With another pair of penalties traded, the Blues were clinging on 16-6, before Kieran Read took the game away deep into the second hald.
New All Blacks captain Read finally broke through after a run from winger Nemani Nadolo left the Blues' defence flat footed.
Winger Tevita Li managed a consolation try for the Blues but Richie Mo'unga sealed the Crusaders' victory with a five-pointer in the final minute.
