Match Reports

The Crusaders put the Highlanders to the sword 44-13 at Carisbrook tonight, with fullback Israel Dagg scoring a double to cap off a fine game in front of a crowd of over 20,000.

The visitors led 13-6 at halftime as they slowly got into the game. Robbie Fruean went over for a try which was confirmed by the TMO early in the piece following good work by Dagg and Sonny Bill Williams in the build up.

Veteran Tony Brown missed a chance to the Highlanders into the lead after only a couple of minutes but was off target and the Crusaders gradually got into their groove.

Dan Carter kicked two penalties (the Crusaders making light of Sam Whitelock’s sinbinning for a ruck infringement) and converted Fruean’s try, with Brown kicking the Highlanders points.

In the second half the Crusaders completely dominated, much like they did in their thrashing of the Brumbies in Nelson last weekend.

Williams again shone at second-five and his increasing confidence on attack and defence is a marvellous sight for Crusaders fans.

Fruean was again direct at centre, but it was Dagg’s trickery and sleight of hand at fullback against his former team which would have especially pleased the Crusaders coaches.

Captain Kieran Read scored a brilliant individual try, running on to a fine Sam Whitelock pass to outsprint Jimmy Cowen over 40m to score.

Tries followed to Dagg, twice, prop Wyatt Crockett and replacement halfback Kahn Fotuali’i.

Indeed it was the work of the substitutes that really caught the eye tonight.

They all added value but Fotuali’i, who had not played for the Crusaders this season up till tonight due to a back injury, was a head turner.

He added a real physicality to the role and he compliments Andy Ellis, also in very good form, perfectly.

It was the tricky pass of Fotuali’i which put his Hawke’s Bay team-mate Dagg over for his second try. He himself went over when capitalizing on a dominant Crusaders scrum to pinch it and dive over.

Crockett ran a nice line off Williams’ shoulder to score his touchdown.

Zac Guildford, who has been out with a hamstring injury, came on for Adam Whitelock and looked sharp on the left wing.

First-five Matt Berquist, replaced Dan Carter, showed some nice touches too.

The Crusaders will relish this victory over the previously high-flying Highlanders and will travel to London for their historic match against the Sharks at Twickenham with plenty of confidence.

For the Crusaders forwards, hooker Corey Flynn excelled at the breakdown and Read again showed up, his turn of pace to outstrip halfback Cowen was especially impressive.

Highlanders – Try: Adam Thompson. Pens: Tony Brown 2.

Crusaders – Tries: Israel Dagg 2, Robbie Fruean, Kieran Read, Kahn Fotuali’I, Wyatt Crockett. Cons: Dan Carter 3, Matt Berquist. Pens: Carter 2.

HT: Crusaders 13-6.

Crusaders
1. Ben Franks (Wyatt Crockett 50min)
2. Corey Flynn (Quentin MacDonald 66)
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn (Chris Jack 55)
5. Sam Whitelock
6. George Whitelock
7. Matt Todd (Jonathan Poff 68)
8. Kieran Read (c)
9. Andy Ellis (Kahn Fotuali'i 58)
10. Dan Carter (Matt Berquist 68)
11. Adam Whitelock (Zac Guildford 50)
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Robbie Fruean
14. Sean Maitland
15. Israel Dagg