Crusaders win in coach’s big week

Tamaiti Williams of the Crusaders
Photo: Photosport

The Crusaders ended the Brumbies perfect start to the Super Rugby Pacific season with a 35-17 win in Christchurch on Friday night.

After a mixed start to the season the defending champions have now won back-to-back games for the first time in 2023 after breaking the Brumbies four-game winning strreak.

Leicester Fainga’anuku burst through a gap and shook off three Brumbies tackles before he crossed the line for the Crusaders first try in the sixth minute.

Braydon Ennor scooped up a pinpoint accurate kick from winger Pepesana Patafilo to dot down and double the score 12 minutes later.

Hooker Codie Taylor closed out the half with the Crusaders third try off a lineout move for a 21-3 halftime lead.

The Brumbies tested the Crusaders defence at the start of the second half and Ryan Lonergan eventually broke through to score a try he converted to reduce the deficit to 21-10.

Fainga’anuku continued to add to his impressive try scoring tally this season when he replicated scored his first half scoring move to score his second of the night and restore the home side’s advantage.

Speedy Brumbies winger Corey Toole found plenty of space down the left touchline to score and give the visitors hope with 10 minutes to go.

However, Christian Lio-Willie would have the last say of the game scoring the Crusaders fifth converted try of the game.

The Brumbies have extended their losing streak against the Crusaders to 12 matches,

Both teams were without key players for the match with the Crusaders missing locks Sam Whitelock, Zack Gallagher, midfielders David Havili and Jack Goodhue, and wingers Sevu Reece and Will Jordan.

The Brumbies travelled to New Zealand without captain James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Nic White and Tom Wright.

The Crusaders have had an eventful week with coach Scott Robertson confirmed as the All Blacks coach-in-waiting.

Read how the match unfolded here.