Match Reports

The Crusaders got their 2010 Rebel Sport Super 14 season off to a perfect start with a bonus-point victory over the Highlanders at AMI Stadium tonight.

The Crusaders scored four tries to two in the 32-17 victory, but it wasn’t as clear-cut as the scoreline suggests, the home side running in two tries in the final 10 minutes as the Highlanders desperately chased the game.

Halfback Andy Ellis and wings Jared Payne, Zac Guildford and Sean Maitland (a replacement) scored five pointers for the Crusaders, who thankfully emerged from the match without any injuries.

The Red and Blacks enjoyed the majority of territory and possession – the Highlanders first ran the ball through their backs after about 20 minutes – but Kieran Read’s men couldn’t convert that into points, at least in the first half.

Ellis forced his way over from a breakdown close to the line for a seven pointer and Dan Carter kicked a penalty and 10 points was all the Crusaders had to show after dominating the first half.

However, the forwards were clearly getting on top of their Highlanders opposites and Carter was expertly marshalling the backline. The Crusaders showed some slick moves off set pieces, with fullback Colin Slade often the first receiver as Carter unleashed a second wave of attack.

Crusaders new boys Guildford and Robbie Fruean (pictured) were getting into the game – centre Fruean was proving a handful with his size and power at centre.

Payne scored the first points of the second half after Fruean breached the line and passed an inside ball to Payne, who nudged it ahead, kicked ahead and stretched out a hand to score.

At 15-0 the Crusaders seemed well in control but the Highlanders roared back thanks to supersub Michael Hobbs, who took over from Matt Berquist at first-five.

Hobbs scored two tries, converted both and kicked a penalty for good measure at the Highlanders closed the gap to 18-17 at one stage before the Crusaders took over in the final 10 minutes.

Guildford took an inside pass from Ellis and ran around fullback Israel Dagg to score a crucial try and Maitland, on for Payne, capitalised on good work from Sam Whitelock and Ben Franks to charge at the line and crash over in the tackle of three would-be tacklers.

For the Crusaders, Ellis played well at halfback and Sam Whitelock, a lock making his Crusaders debut, showed he has a big future.

Fruean and Guildford will be massive threats for the Crusaders this season, while Slade was a solid presence at fullback.

Maitland also showed a fair amount in the limited time he had on the field.

Fullback Dagg showed flair for the Highlanders, who lost former Crusader No8 Nasi Manu with a knee injury after only five minutes. His former Canterbury team-mate James Paterson, who has signed with Southland, had limited opportunities on the wing.

Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder will be pleased with the five points, the fire power out wide, and the way the Crusaders set piece went. He won’t be as happy with the defence at times, especially broken play tackles, with the Highlanders making too many breaks in that area.

Crusaders – Tries: Andy Ellis, Jared Payne, Zac Guildford, Sean Maitland. Conversions: Dan Carter (3). Penalties: Carter (2).

Highlanders – Tries: Michael Hobbs (2). Conversions: Hobbs (2). Penalty: Hobbs.

Kickers:
Crusaders: Carter 5 from 8 attempts.
Highlanders: Hobbs: 3 from 4. Berquist: 0 from 1.

Crusaders:
1. Ben Franks
2. Ti’i Paulo (16. Quentin MacDonald 70th min)
3. Owen Franks (17. Peter Borlase 76th min)
4. Sam Whitelock
5. Isaac Ross (18. Brad Thorn 56th min)
6. Kieran Read (c)
7. George Whitelock
8. Thomas Waldrom (19. Jonathan Poff 67th min)
9. Andy Ellis (20. Kahn Fotuali’i 73rd min)
10. Dan Carter
11. Zac Guildford
12. Tim Bateman
13. Robbie Fruean
14. Jared Payne (22. Sean Maitland 66th min)
15. Colin Slade

Reserve not used:
21. Adam Whitelock