Match Reports

The Crusaders have secured five valuable competition points when beating the Western Force in Perth 42-30 in a thrilling match.

Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg scored two tries in the first eight minutes but the Force kept in touch and then gained the upper hand in the second half. But the Crusaders never lost belief and secured the victory with two tries through Corey Flynn and Kahn Fotuali’i in the final eight minutes.

It was a topsy-turvy game, with the Crusaders looking unstoppable in the first 20 minutes. The counter-attacking threats of Dagg, Sean Maitland and Zac Guildford tied the Force into knots. Then you had the menace of Sonny Bill Williams lurking and the sledge-hammer defence of the forwards – especially Wyatt Crockett who had another storming match.

But Force second-five James O’Conner kept banging over the penalties – he kicked four in the first half – and his side took the lead in the second half when Crusaders captain Richie McCaw was sinbinned for infringing in the ruck.

Force fullback Cameron Shepherd scored two stunning tries. The first the result of an attacking counter-attack move which took advantage of a long-range Crusaders strike.

But big second-five Williams struck back a minute later for the Crusaders when capitalising on yet another Dagg bust.

The Force just couldn't get to grips with Dagg in this match, and he made them pay. Another who had a busy game was Guildford.

Dagg and Williams scored their tries through long-range strikes, but Flynn's try was the result of a tight-head scrum and strong run by McCaw. Williams had another strong carry and the ball found its way to Flynn, who stepped off his left foot, hit the deck, and kept going.

Fotuali'i scored his from close to the line after some good Crusaders pressure.

He then stole in to nick the ball in the dying minutes as the Force threw everything at the Crusaders.

The Crusaders would have endured some nervous moments as the game swung towards the Force. Remember, they lost this game at the same venue last season and have never had it easy in Perth.

But the victory moves them to fourth on the table and within striking distance of the Blues at the top. They travel to Cape Town to play the Stormers next weekend with added confidence.

The Crusaders scrum was again strong and some of the defence, especially among the forwards, was outstanding.

Luke Romano, celebrating his first start at lock, had a strong game, as did McCaw and Flynn.

McCaw showed no sign of discomfort from the bruised foot which troubled him last week.

Force: Tries - Cameron Shepherd 2. Cons: Willie Ripia. Pens: James O'Conner 5, Ripia.

Crusaders: Tries - Israel Dagg 2, Sonny Bill Williams, Corey Flynn, Kahn Fotuali'i. Cons: Matt Berquist 4. Pens: Berquist 3

HT: Crusaders 22-19

Crusaders
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Corey Flynn
3. Ben Franks (Owen Franks 17min)
4. Luke Romano
5. Chris Jack
6. George Whitelock
7. Matt Todd
8. Richie McCaw (c) (Jonathan Poff 75th)
9. Kahn Fotuali'i
10. Matt Berquist
11. Zac Guildford
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Robbie Fruean
14. Sean Maitland
15. Israel Dagg (Adam Whitelock 75th)

Reserves not used:
16. Quentin MacDonald
19. Joe Wheeler
20. Willi Heinz
21. Tom Marshall