The competition starts heating up this week as the sides start trying to edge for the tournament. The Crusaders look to improve their chances against a winless Chiefs side on Saturday whilst the Blues travel to Dunedin to take on the Highlanders- who are an outside bet to win the title.
Chiefs vs Crusaders
It was set to be another thrilling clash in Hamilton as the slipping Crusaders took on the winless Crusaders. The match was Chiefs 10 Aaron Cruden’s 100th and Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock’s 150th- would the match live up to expectations?
The scoring started early on, with no8 Tom Sanders charging down the wing into the corner after a good attacking spell by the Crusaders- 0-7 after seven minutes.
The Champions got another one soon after, with some great passing by Richie Mo’unga, Mitch Drummond and George Bridge concluding in a try for fullback Will Jordan- who went straight through after a sublime pop pass from Bridge.
The home side struck back though, with flanker Lachlan Boshier crashing over after a pass off the ground from Anton Lienert-Brown. Fullback McKenzie scored a penalty for the Chiefs shortly after to take the scores to 7-12.
Just before halftime, the Crusaders increased their lead through a great rolling-maul try- scored by hooker Codie Taylor. The teams went into the sheds with the scores standing at 10-17 in favour of the Crusaders.
After the break, the Crusaders had a good attacking spell but the impressive Boshier secured a turnover to allow McKenzie to convert a penalty. Minutes later, the same kicker converted another to increase the scoreline to 16-17. However, the Crusaders responded with a penalty of their own, converted by Mo’unga, which the Chiefs then countered with another penalty- 19-20 after 60 minutes.
The away side were lucky to claim another try, scored by Sevu Reece in the 61st minute. It was awarded after a long TMO decision on Quinten Strange’s potential knock-on. However, referee Ben O’Keefe awarded the try, much to the dismay of the crowd at FMG Stadium. 19-27.
The Crusaders continued to be clinical though as replacement Leicester Fainga’anuku scored in the corner following some great play by Mo’unga and Andrew Makalio. 19-32.
There were no more scores in the game, despite some brave attacking from the Chiefs and the Crusaders took the victory. FT Chiefs 19-32 Crusaders
It was a great contest in Hamilton, but the Chiefs still remain winless after seven games. The Crusaders recovered well from their loss last week and stand in a strong position to win the competition this year.
