Crusaders take last-gasp win over Blues
- Dave Worsley
- Apr 19
- 2 min read
Australian James O'Connor kicked a last-gasp penalty to give the Crusaders a 25-22 win over the Blues in Christchurch.
Both sides scored three tries with the Blues staging a late comeback only to give away late penalties and the game.
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Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams dived over from close for the opener after two minutes, capitalising on a Blues penalty shortly after kick-off.
The Blues continued to work their way back into the contest and eventually struck back through lock Josh Beehre.
Both teams had penalty goals to take the lead before the half, but it was Will Jordan that gave the Crusaders the lead after he took a perfect ball from David Havili close to the line to dive over for the try well after the half-time siren for a 14-7 lead.
After the break No 8 Christian Lio-Willie dived over or a 19-7 lead, but the Blues weren't rolling over.
Hoskins Sotutu proved inspirational crossing for a try and then a spectacular flick from the ruck to set up AJ Lam to touch down and suddenly the game was locked at 19-all.
Beauden Barrett put the Blues in front with 13 minutes to go before O’Connor responded to level the scores.
O’Connor’s boot proved the difference as the Crusaders cemented their place at the top of the table. The Blues are eighth.
Crusaders 25 (Tamaiti Williams, Will Jordan, Christian Lio-Willie tires; Taha Kemara 2 con, James O’Connor 2 pen) Blues 22 (Josh Beehre, Hoskins Sotutu, AJ Lam tries; Beauden Barrett 2 con, pen). HT: 14-7
