Match Reports

The Crusaders secured a brave 33-18 victory over the Waratahs in an emotion-filled match at Nelson's Trafalgar Park tonight.

Normally known for their red and black colours, the Crusaders wore a special edition red and white jersey - West Coast colours - to honour the 29 men who died in the Pike River Mine disaster.

There was plenty of pressure on the Crusaders to perform in the match, which was also dedicated to all those who have died in the recent devastating earthquake.

And the Crusaders didn't disappoint, coming back strongly after a slow start to score 20 unanswered points in an 11-minute period before halftime to effectively secure the match.

Robbie Fruean starred with two tries, including a sensational intercept, and debutant Sonny Bill Williams also dotted down.

Fruean and Williams were a handful for the Waratahs but this victory began with an immense effort up front. Brad Thorn ran himself to a standstill and the loose forwards Matt Todd and George Whitelock were outstanding.

The scrum had the Waratahs in trouble and that set the platform. Wyatt Crockett had another blinder and Corey Flynn played well at hooker.

The substitutes added value too, with Chris Jack in his 99th game showing up, along with another new boy, Tom Marshall, playing on his home ground.

"I've never been prouder as a coach," said Todd Blackadder after the victory, which came following a loss in round one to the Blues and last week's abandoned game against the Hurricanes, which was registered as a scoreless draw.

Blackadder's men were outstanding tonight and thoroughly deserved their victory. The defence was incredible at times and the Waratahs never had time to settle following their good start.

The 11,000 strong crowd, a sellout, played its part too. Following the impeccably observed moment's silence before the kickoff, the crowd - virtually all of whom were dressed in red and black - got right behind their team.

Crusaders - Tries: Robbie Fruean 2, Sonny Bill Williams. Cons: Dan Carter 3. Pens: Carter 4.

Waratahs - Tries: Tom Carter, Luke Burgess, Afa Pakalani. Con: Kurtley Beale.

HT: Crusaders 26-13

Kickers
Dan Carter: 7 from 7
Daniel Halangahu 0 from 3
Kurtley Beale 1 from 2

Crusaders:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Corey Flynn (Quentin MacDonald 67min)
3. Owen Franks (Ben Franks 51min)
4. Brad Thorn
5. Sam Whitelock (Chris Jack 51min)
6. George Whitelock
7. Matt Todd (Jonathan Poff 74min)
8. Kieran Read
9. Andy Ellis
10. Dan Carter
11. Adam Whitelock
12. Sonny Bill Williams (Matt Berquist 67min)
13. Robbie Fruean (Will Heinz 77min)
14. Sean Maitland (Tom Marshall 67min)
15. Israel Dagg