Rugby: Crusaders snatch thrilling victory over Blues

Zac Guildford of the Crusaders makes a break. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders 23
Blues 16

The Crusaders have beaten the Blues 23-16 in a pulsating top-of-the-table clash at Alpine Energy Stadium in Timaru.

The Crusaders led 13-11 at half-time and had enough class to finish the job in the second 40 minutes.

The Blues scored an early penalty through Luke McAlister. After a tentative spell from both sides, Rene Ranger then scored the first try of the night on 12 minutes with a fantastic effort.

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Jared Payne's burst of pace and smart offload released Ranger, who fended off Robbie Fruean and kicked the ball ahead. The Blues winger, tiptoeing inside the touchline, was first to collect and dived over for an outstanding finish.

The Crusaders soon hit back through Dan Carter's penalty and, two minutes later, the scores were levelled.

Andy Ellis stole the ball from a Blues scrum and cleared it downfield. The halfback was first to chase down his kick and brought Payne to the ground, accompanied by a swarm of Crusaders who turned the ball over for Matt Todd to score.

There were some nervous moments for All Blacks fans when Sonny Bill Williams left the field with what looked like a hip injury. The Blues' Rene Ranger followed him shortly after, pulling up with a hamstring problem.

The Blues received a huge let-off on 34 minutes when Tom Marshall looked to have scored for the Crusaders. But referee Craig Joubert judged Kieran Read to be obstructing Jerome Kaino and awarded the away side a penalty.

The second half started terribly for Pat Lam's side.

A horrible Blues error from the kick-off gifted the Crusaders another try. Joe Rokocoko collected the kick, but after he had gone to ground, the Blues forwards were left standing. Read picked up the loose ball and passed off to Zac Guildford to score the easiest of tries.

The Blues were intent on keeping the match an even contest and thought they had scored through Charlie Faumuina five minutes into the second half. But the assistant referee ignored Blues appeals and ruled the ball to be held up.

The Crusaders had a chance to score on 53 minutes when Robbie Freuan made a rampaging break for the home side. Despite having an unmarked Ward available on his outside, he threw the ball inside to Ellis, who fumbled the ball with the try-line at his mercy.

Faumuina then made sure he would not be denied his first Super Rugby try when he crashed over moments later to take the score to 18-16.
After withstanding a dominant Crusaders performance in the first half, the Blues continued to build pressure in the second half. With an hour played, that almost paid off as they drove towards the corner, only for Luke McAlister to drop the ball on the try-line.

With the game finely-poised, it took a moment of Dan Carter magic to put the game beyond the Blues' reach. His inch-perfect kick in behind dropped to the excellent Guildford, who finished off for his second try of the night.

Crusaders 23 (Zac Guildford 2, Matt Todd - tries; Dan Carter 2 pen, con) Blues 16 (Rene Ranger, Charlie Faumuina - tries ; Luke McAlister 2 pen). Halftime: 13-11.

- Herald Online