Canes win at death; Crusaders top Tahs
- Dave Worsley
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Cam Roigard has produced a special performance to deliver the Hurricanes a crucial 24-20 win over the Highlanders.
Roigard scored twice, including the winner after the siren, as the hosts escaped with the victory in their Captain America-inspired jerseys.
The scrumhalf darted over the line after 22 phases to sink the Highlanders, who took a 20-17 lead late in the game.
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The Highlanders were desperate for victory to keep their finals hope alive, and it showed as winger James Lowe stretched out for the opening try.
The hosts were dealt a blow when flanker Brayden Iose hobbled off the field with an ankle injury.
This failed to stop their momentum, as winger Bailyn Sullivan continued his try-scoring run. He powered over the line in the corner, earning five points, but a head knock ended his night.
Lowe quickly responded with his second after lovely interchange from the outside backs saw fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens set up the flyer after a brutal Tanielu Tele’a run.
A yellow card to Timoci Tavatavanawai saw the visitors reduced to after he was sent off for a high tackle, with the Hurricanes unable to capitalise after Pasilio Tosi was brought down inches before the line.
It allowed the Highlanders to go into the break with a 14-7 lead before All Black Roigard sparked the hosts.
The scrumhalf capitalised on a Fehi Fineanganofo break and darted through the line to level the scores in the 47th minute.
Roigard made another break shortly afterwards before Callum Harkin was denied a try for a knock-on.
Ruben Love capitalised on the momentum shift and kicked a penalty to put them in front for the first time in the game with 20 minutes to go.
he Highlanders levelled the scores with 12 minutes to go with a penalty from right in front to Taine Robinson.
Robinson added another one three minutes later for the lead, with the Hurricanes turning down a kickable penalty to hunt for the win.
This blew up in their face when the decision to go for the scrum nearly in disaster as the ball went into touch.
However, Ruben Love produced a special break to set up another chance instantly, and Roigard was the man to break the Highlanders' hearts, diving over for the winner.
It cements the 'Canes spot in the top six with a crucial victory, facing a tough trip to Queensland next week against the Reds.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders' hopes of making the playoffs are all but over after yet another defeat.
The Crusaders have beaten the Waratahs 48-33 at Allianz Stadium, to secure second spot on the Super Rugby Pacific Ladder and lock in their position in the finals.
The Crusaders started the game off strong, scoring the first three tries in under 16 minutes.
The first try of the game was scored by Johnny McNicholl. Rivez Reihana created a break for McNicholl, who was passed the ball and made a run for the try-line.
Braydon Ennor, later, intercepted a Waratahs pass from Triston Reilly and had a clean breakthrough, running from halfway to score to extend the lead.
Langi Gleeson managed to score the Waratahs first try, on his second attempt at scoring.
22 minutes into the game, Gleeson was denied a try, as the refs were unable to find clear evidence to overrule the on-field decision of ‘no try, but couldn’t be denied minutes later.
However, Cullen Grace scored at the 41 minute mark, leaving the Crusaders in the lead, 31-7, at halftime. Â
Midway through the second half, Sevu Reece scored, not only solidifying the Crusaders lead, but also putting him in equal first, with TJ Perenara, for the all time record for tries in Super Rugby, with 65 tries over his Super Rugby career.
Rivez Reihana made a breakthrough and passed to Reece, who sprinted from halfway, dodged a tackle from Kellaway, and crossed the tryline.
The Crusaders appear to be utilising their kicking game more in the second half, as Reece was passed the ball by James O’Connor, made a run but before being tackled, kicked the ball, that was picked up by Tom Christie who scored.
In a last-minute dash, Reilly scored after receiving the ball from Joey Walton.
This try resulted in the Crusaders denied a bonus point, prohibiting them from taking the top spot on the ladder.
The loss means that the Waratahs have missed their opportunity to play in the finals this season.
This means that the team has two more games this season to impress against the Western Force and Blues away from home.
Crusaders 48 (Johnny McNicholl, Brayden Ennor, Ioane Moananu, Chay Fihaki, Cullen Grace, Sevu Reece, Tom Christie tries; Rivez Reihana 3 con, James O'Connor 2 con, pen) NSW Waratahs 33 (Langi Gleeson 2, Miles Amatosero, Darby Lancaster, Triston Reilly tries; Tane Edmed 3 con, Bowen con). HT: 31-7