Crusaders Edge Blues in Wet Weather Thriller to Kick Off Super Rugby Pacific Round 10
Super Rugby Pacific round ten kicked off on Friday night in Christchurch, where wet conditions played a key role in a hard-fought clash between long-time rivals.
The Crusaders narrowly edged the Blues 25-22, thanks to two tries on either side of halftime and a clutch late penalty from veteran James O’Connor.
With this result, the Crusaders have now claimed victory in seven of their last eight meetings with the Auckland-based Blues. It also marked their second win over the Blues this season, following a convincing 42-19 triumph in round six at Eden Park.
The match started perfectly for the Crusaders. An early obstruction from Rieko Ioane handed the hosts a prime opportunity, and a brilliant kick from Taha Kemara set up strong field position. All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams then powered over in the corner, with Kemara adding the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
The Blues responded with sustained pressure in the Crusaders’ 22. Lock Josh Beehre eventually crashed over after a series of penalties, with Beauden Barrett converting to tie the game at 7-7 after 24 minutes.
As halftime approached, the Crusaders upped the intensity. Dominance in the scrum, particularly from Williams against Angus Ta’avao, set the tone. After repeated infringements by the Blues, David Havili delivered a sublime looping pass to Will Jordan, who dotted down under the posts. Kemara’s conversion made it 14-7 at the break.
The second half began in similar fashion, with the Crusaders again applying pressure. A clever lineout play allowed Christian Lio-Willie to burst through and score. Kemara’s conversion attempt missed, leaving the score at 19-7.
The Blues responded with renewed aggression, pushing into the Crusaders’ 22. Despite strong Crusaders defence, Hoskins Sotutu broke through to score, cutting the lead. Moments later, Sotutu produced a stunning behind-the-back pass to AJ Lam, who fended off a defender to score near the sideline. Barrett’s conversion narrowly missed, leaving the match tied at 19-19.
Mason Tupaea then won a crucial penalty, which Barrett converted to give the Blues a 22-19 lead. However, a dominant scrum from Fletcher Newell gave the Crusaders a chance to respond, and O’Connor made no mistake from 30 meters out, leveling the scores at 22-22.
In a tense final stretch filled with territorial kicking, a costly error from Ioane inside his own half led to a decisive scrum for the Crusaders. O’Connor calmly slotted the winning penalty, sealing a thrilling 25-22 victory.
Final Score: Crusaders 25, Blues 22
