Match Reports

The Crusaders, led by an outstanding Leon MacDonald, beat the Lions 32-20 in a bonus-point victory at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, which keeps the team in the hunt for the semi-finals.

It was tough at times for the Crusaders, who got no favours from referee Jonathan Kaplan or his fellow South African match officials, but the four-try win was just what the team needed after their disappointing loss to the Cheetahs last week.

Isaac Ross, Stephen Brett, Brad Thorn and Dan Perrin scored tries for the Crusaders in the team's first bonus-point victory of the season.

But it was fullback MacDonald, named as man of the match, who was the key to the win.

His counter-attacking running from the back was outstanding, as was his option taking and defence.

He also had the added pressure of kicking for goal and made a pretty good fist of it, slotting five from seven attempts.

MacDonald said afterwards: "The Lions are a courageous team and they gave it everything until the bitter end. We played better today but next week we play the Reds at home and they are also a tenacious team who have scored a lot of tries this season. We have got to pick it up another level."

Kieran Read, who took over the captain's duties from Richie McCaw - ruled out of the match during the week with a mild concussion - said the team was looking forward to coming home after a tough three-week tour of South Africa.

He said: "There was a lot of soul-searching this week after the loss to the Cheetahs but we controlled the ball a lot better today - especially in the second half - and that told in the end. We're all looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd next weekend."

The Crusaders got off to a good start and were on the scoreboard after seven minutes, a run and pass by MacDonald putting left wing Colin Slade in space and the youngster did well to link twice with Ross, who went over for a converted try.

The Lions, playing for pride more than anything else, struck back seven minutes later when halfback Jano Vermaak scored in the corner. A midfield tackle on centre Tim Bateman spilled the ball and Slade couldn't quite control it, fullback Louis Ludik putting Vermaak into space for a try converted well by Andre Pretorius.

Midway through the first spell the Lions scored their second try through debutant flanker Johan van Deventer. The Lions were fortunate to get a series of free-kicks and Van Deventer ran through a stretched defence to score.

The Crusaders luck changed four minutes later when Brett charged down Ludik's attempted scrum clearance to score a converted try to make it 14-12 to the Crusaders. It was just what the Crusaders needed and it turned the momentum the vistors' way.

A MacDonald penalty stretched the lead to 17-12 but shortly after the Lions narrowed the gap with their own three pointer after a Lions player ducked into a Thorn high tackle and the Crusaders lock was penalised.

MacDonald missed a penalty and a chance to stretch the lead as halftime approached but the Crusaders took a 17-15 lead to the break and could be happy with their lot. The only concern was the number of tackles missed - 13.

After halftime the Crusaders took control of the match and enjoyed the majority of possession and territory. Bateman went close to the try line, as did Thomas Waldrom and a certain try went begging when hooker Jason Macdonald's final pass to Thorn on the left wing went forward.

Luckily it wasn't fatal to their chances, Thorn scoring soon after as good surges by Andy Ellis and Brett put Thorn in via the padding on the left post for a converted try.

The Lions struck straight back when look Anton van Zyl kicked through near the sideline, regathered and scored. However, replays showed he put a foot in touch right in front of the linesman. Pretorius' conversion missed after the ball fell from the tee and he failed with a drop goal.

Perrin's well-worked try was the crucial fourth for the Crusaders.
Jonathan Poff, McCaw's replacement at No7, took the ball at the front of an attacking lineout and passed it to the sweeping Waldrom who distributed it for Perrin to score his first try for the Crusaders in a brilliant planned move.

At 29-20 with 14 minutes to go, the Crusaders were in charge. Surges by MacDonald and Ellis looked promising but they couldn't quite get the fifth five-pointer.

MacDonald kicked a penalty to make it 32-20 and it was job done for the Crusaders, who showed much more attacking verve than in previous matches this season. They will hope to recreate this form against the Reds at AMI Stadium on Friday and the Blues in Auckland a week later.

Their only concerns would have been the injuries to Brett and Slade, who left the field late in the second half.

Crusaders - Tries: Isaac Ross, Stephen Brett, Brad Thorn, Dan Perrin. Cons: Leon MacDonald 3. Pens: MacDonald 2.

Lions - Tries: Jano Vermaak, Johan van Deventer, Anton van Zyl. Con: Andre Pretorius. Pen: Pretorius.

Halftime: Crusaders 17-15

Crusaders:
1. Wyatt Crockett (17. Bronson Murray 76th min)
2. Jason Macdonald (16. Dan Perrin 60th)
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn
5. Isaac Ross
6. Kieran Read (c)
7. Jonathan Poff
8. Thomas Waldrom (18. Michael Paterson 70th)
9. Andy Ellis
10. Stephen Brett (21. Adam Whitelock 69th)
11. Colin Slade (22. Hamish Gard 77th)
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Jared Payne
15. Leon MacDonald

Reserves not used:
19. Ross Filipo
20. Kahn Fotuali'i