Crusaders escape, Hurricanes too good
- Dave Worsley
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Crusaders have done just enough to overcome their determined South Island rivals and take over the top of the Super Rugby points table.
Winning 15-12 in Christrchurch over the Highlanders came down to prop Tamaiti charging over for a try in the 71st minute.
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Sevu Reece scored his 66th try, a record in Super Rugby after some nerves trying to cross the line over the past few weeks
The Highlanders also scored a try in each half as Jonah Lowe dotted down in the first and Taine Robinson in the second
Highlanders reserve first-five Cam Millar had the chance to send the game to extra-time, but pushed his penalty attempt wide.
The win sees the Crusaders move back to the top of the points table with 45 points, two ahead of the Brumbies with the Chiefs on 41 but a game to be played against Moana Pasifika.
The Hurricanes secured up a Super Rugby playoff spot with a 31-27 triumph over the Reds in Brisbane.
It was the 10th consecutive win for the Canes over the Reds dating back to 2013 and moves them into fourth place on the table.
The Hurricane led 26-13 at the break, after a three minute burst to end the first 40 saw Cam Roigard and Billy Proctor cross for tries.
Fehi Fineanganofo scored a try in each half while Cam Roigard continued his scoring while both Billy Proctor Rueben Love kept putting their hands up for national selection with a try each.
The Reds mounted a come back, but a late try sealed the result for the Hurricanes.
Hurricanes backrower Du'Plessis Kirifi was huge at the breakdown, helping the Reds slide to a 2-4 record from their past six games after leading the competition less than two months ago.
Crusaders 15 (Sevu Reece, Tamaiti Williams tries; Rivez Reihana pen, con) Highlanders 12 (Jonah Lowe, Taine Robinson tries; Robinson con). HT: 10-5.
Hurricanes 31 (Fehi Fineanganofo 2 tries, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Billy Proctor tries; Love 3 con) Reds 27 (Tate McDermott 2 tries, Joe Brial try; Tom Lynagh 3 con, 2 pen). HT: 26-13.