Richie Mo'unga. Crusaders v Blues. Super Rugby Pacific. Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch. New Zealand. Saturday 13 May 2023. © Photo : John Davidson / www.photosport.nz Photo: John Davidson/ www.photosport.nz
The Crusaders have beaten the Waratahs 42-18 in Christchurch for their 10th Super Rugby Pacific win of the season.
The Waratahs came out of the blocks strong but it didn't take the Crusaders long to establish themselves and they led 28-8 at half-time.
The Crusaders ran in six tries to three and Richie Mo'unga converted all six of them. Sione Havili Talitui's try from close-range in the final minutes secured the bonus point.
Crusaders captain Codie Taylor said the bonus point victory was crucial with the Super Rugby ladder tightly congested before the penultimate round.
The win means the defending champions are closer to securing a home quarterfinal in a fortnight.
Former All Black John Afoa, who came in for the injured Tamaiti Williams, earnt his debut cap for the Crusaders at 39 years old,
Fergus Burke was again effective at fullback, scoring a try and setting another up.
Earlier, the Fijian Drua had a dramatic 47-46 victory over Moana Pasifika in Lautoka this afternoon, to keep alive their slim hopes of an historic quarterfinal spot in Super Rugby Pacific.
But Moana Pasifika were unlucky not to grab a last-ditch victory as they crossed for a 79th-minute try, but couldn't slot the conversion.
