Captain Richie McCaw, with yet another inspiring performance, scored two tries as the Crusaders thumped the Blues 39-10 in their Super 14 rugby match at Jade Stadium, Christchurch tonight.
The home side overcame an early Blues try and turned around a 0-10 deficit with three tries oftheir own in a commanding performance that underscored their favouritism to win the title again this season.
For three quarters of the match they unleashed relentless attacks, stretching the Blues defence on both sides of the field and reducing them to a defensive role.
Such became the Blues frustration at having to chase and tackle constantly that lock Ali Williams took out a player three minutes from the end and was sinbinned.
He was the second Blues player to be sinbinned in the game, the first was winger Joe Rokocoko just before halftime. The absence of a player for 20 minutes only added to the pressure the Blues faced after a promising start to the match.
The Crusaders had the game wrapped up at 25-10 when McCaw struck twice in three minutes with two superb tries.
He had sparked his team's 22-20 victory over the Sharks with an equally inspiring performance in the second half last week.
Scores:- Crusaders 39 (Richie McCaw 2, Johnny Leo'o tries; Daniel Carter 6 pen, 2 con; Cameron McIntyre con). Blues 10 (Doug Howlett try; Isa Nacewa pen, con). HT: 9-10.
