Brumbies sunk by Crusaders

The Crusaders made an emphatic start to the new Super 14 season with a 34-3 victory over the ACT Brumbies on Friday and grabbed a bonus point with the final move of the game.

Mose Tuiali'i scored the first two tries at the AMI Stadium in appalling conditions underfoot as the new law changes, aimed at promoting free-flowing rugby, came into full force for the first time.

Torrential rain on South Island created puddles of standing water and severely inhibited the teams' passing games though, despite the new rules.

Instead of a great contest between these two historically successful sides it was one-sided affair, with the Crusaders dominant in possession and territory and scoring all the tries.

Close

The most obvious change under the new guidelines was the increase in the number of free kicks. There were 10 penalties in the match but 15 free kicks, nine of them at the ruck, which would have been penalties under the "old" laws.

Dan Carter kicked the first points of the new campaign on 13 minutes when young Christian Lealiifano came into a tackle from the side and the hosts had a 3-0 lead. Julian Huxley levelled the scores against the run of play though after Ali Williams was penalised for tackling in the air.

Leon MacDonald celebrated his 100th appearance for the Crusaders by playing a crucial role in the game's opening try. He latched on to George Smith's long clearance via a Scott Hamilton pass and from the resulting ruck Richie McCaw sent Tuiali'i over. Carter kicked the extras and the Crusaders went into half-time with a 10-3 lead.

Domination

The home side camped in the Brumbies' 22 after the restart and Tuiali'i eventually ran through four defenders to make their possession pay. Carter again converted successfully and the Crusaders led by 14 points with half an hour remaining.

Carter kicked a further penalty as the Crusaders continued to dominate and Brad Thorn scored another conversion following a five-metre scrum with nine minutes to go.

There was still time for Carter to cross the line following MacDonald's perfect pass and the New Zealand international fly-half then kicked the conversion to seal a 34-3 victory for the home side.