Rugby: Manasa Mataele's miracle ball sets up brilliant try against Hurricanes

Manasa Mataele gets a pass away to set up a Crusaders try. Photo / Sky Sport

Manasa Mataele provided a early contender for pass of the season in the Crusaders' impressive performance over the Hurricanes.

The defending champions cruised to a 38-22 victory, their 17th in a row, thanks largely to a 24-0 first half scoreline.

Match report: Crusaders blow away Hurricanes in dominant display

Of their four first half tries, the most impressive was one set up by Crusaders winger Mataele who produced a staggering pass from the ground while falling into touch.

The giant number 14 flicked a pass up to Richie Mo'unga who darted away down the righthand touchline for the try. Mataele looked to have put a foot in touch but the TMO's replay showed he somehow kept a leg in the air while getting the pass away.

The Crusaders ended up scoring six tries to four to capture their 20th win at Christchurch Stadium and move to the top of the New Zealand Conference with two victories to start the season.

Mataele!!! How the hell did he throw that pass? #CRUvHUR

— Scotty Stevenson (@sumostevenson) February 23, 2019

Manasa Mataele, what an offload! #SuperRugby #CRUvHUR pic.twitter.com/RNsPU1Jjwg

— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) February 23, 2019

MATAELE, THAT IS MADNESS. #CRUvHUR

— Louis Herman-Watt (@LouisHWatt) February 23, 2019