Crusaders Back on Top

The Canterbury Crusaders hopes of claiming back-to-back Super Rugby titles have been enhanced after they won a pulsating top of the table clash against the NSW Waratahs 17-11 tonight at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.

NSW looked to be dead and buried when trailing 14-0 late in the first half, but a gritty second half fight back saw them set up a thrilling finish that had them attacking the Crusaders line only to be thwarted by some sensational last ditch tackling from the defending Super 12 champions.

“I guess it is one of those things these days, defence is going to win you games and that is what we had to do in the end,” said a relieved Richie McCaw after the game.

“The Waratahs certainly threw everything at us. Tonight we are just happy to get the four points.”

The much anticipated top grand final replay between the Waratahs and Crusaders began at a frenetic pace with both sides giving the ball plenty of air in the opening exchanges, but it was Canterbury that landed the first blow in the fifth minute with McCaw finding some space down the left hand flank and then throwing a perfectly timed pass inside to lock Chris Jack who jogged over to score untouched.

NSW enjoyed a brief respite from the Crusaders onslaught in the eighth minute when they were awarded a penalty within kicking range, but full back Peter Hewat was unable to land the penalty shot to leave the Waratahs still behind 7-0.

Canterbury had multiple chances to extend their advantage over the next 20 minutes, but poor execution close to the try line combined with some timely tackles from the NSW side meant that the home side were unable to build on their lead during the middle stages of the first half.

Hewat missed another chance to cut the deficit to four points in the 28th minute when his penalty attempt finished up well short and he would be made to rue that miss as the Crusaders marched the ball up field and scored in the left hand corner via fullback Leon MacDonald.

Fly half Dan Carter made the sideline conversion look simple to put the home side ahead 14-0, but that lead was cut to 11 points heading into the main break when Hewat finally managed to slot over penalty goal after the half time siren had sounded (14-3).

After being dominated for the first forty minutes of the game the Waratahs managed to pull themselves back into the contest in the 47th minute when a Hewat chip kick fortuitously bounced back into Morgan Turinui’s arms and he raced away to score the visitors first try of the game.

Hewat was unable to turn five into seven and that miss was costly as Carter slotted over his first penalty goal of the game just minutes later to put the Crusaders back out in front by more than a converted try yet again (17-8).

NSW coach Ewen McKenzie rang in the changes midway through the second half and the new faces seemed to lift the Waratahs as they reduced the gap back to six points with another Hewat penalty goal.

Crusaders winger Scott Hamilton came within inches of putting the result beyond doubt in the 67th minute when his grubber kick grazed the chalk before he was able to dive on the ball and that near miss almost came back to haunt them as the Waratahs attacked their try line mercilessly over the final 10 minutes of the match, but some staunch defending from all 15 Canterbury players saw off the late threat to give them a hard fought six point victory.

With the loss the Waratahs now relinquish their place atop the Super 14 ladder to the Crusaders, but with the bonus point earned for losing by seven points or less they are still in prime position for a top two finish which would guarantee them a semi final at Aussie Stadium next month.

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