Match Reports

BNZ Crusaders centre Kieron Fonotia didn't get a lot of room from a committed Blues defence but two acts proved decisive in breaking the defensive shackles to claim a 26–21 win at Eden Park on Saturday.

Having held on all night in the face of vigorous Blues defence, Fonotia chose the route through the smallest man on the field, Blues first five-eighths Ihaia West to create the chance which replacement halfback Andy Ellis capitalised on in the 61st minute to score and regain the lead 20-18.

Then moments later it was his break after the replacement Blues hooker Quentin MacDonald threw the ball away after opening up the defences and getting close to the goal-line. Fonotia raced along the northern touchline, kicked ahead and then saw the Blues concede a penalty which first five-eighths Richie Mo'unga, who had a sound night directing play, converted.

The lead was enhanced when referee Angus Gardiner reversed a penalty decision on the Blues line after second five eighths Piers Francis was ruled to have tackled Mo'unga after the whistle. This came moments after the Blues were incensed when he didn't call obstruction on Ellis when blocking a tackle attempt on Israel Dagg after he took a high ball.

Vigorous defence had proved the inspiration for the Blues, their constant pounding of Crusaders attackers cut down the ball runners and made it a much closer contest than the difference in continuity play and experience would have suggested beforehand.

Flanker Jerome Kaino, No.8 Steven Luatua, starting flanker Kara Pryor who was feistry throughout, and the big men props Charlie Faumuina and Sam Prattley and hooker James Parsons, until leaving soon after halftime due to concussion were strong on the tackle.

Wing Nemani Nadolo wasted no time renewing acquaintances with the Blues defences, dummying and side-stepping on the Crusaders line starting a breakout with halfback Mitchell Drummond that carried play the length of the field. The Blues defence tried so staunch the break, but ultimately the momentum was with the Crusaders and at a ruck on the line, quick hands from Read put Nadolo in at the corner after nine minutes.

The Blues responded effectively and when Kaino charged down an attempted clearance by Mo'unga the ball was secured and from the ruck, first five-eighths Ihaia West was able to step through a gap and score.

Penalty goals were exchanged by West and Mo'unga and just when it seemed the Crusaders would take a 10-8 lead to the break, West slipped a grubber kick into the Crusaders 22m area. It rebounded off a Crusaders defender and went into touch.

The Blues made good use of the lineout feed and when blindside wing Matt Duffie broke the defensive line a try seemed certain with second five-eighths Piers Francis unmarked beside him. But Duffie dummied. However, the ruck was quickly won and centre George Moala was unstoppable close to the line. 

It was a much improved effort by the home team, but the BNZ Crusaders demonstrated why they were on the top of the table with composure under relentless pressure.

Scorers: Blues 21 (Ihaia West, George Moala tries; West con, 3 pen) Crusaders 26 (Nemani Nadolo, Andy Ellis tries; Richie Mo'unga 2 con, 3 pen). HT: 15-10

Report courtesy of www.superrugby.co.nz