Bridge hat-trick helps Crusaders maintain winning streak

Cheetahs 21-48 Crusaders, Toyota Stadium
Scorecard

George Bridge scored a hat-trick while Richie Mo'unga contributed with 18 points as Crusaders recorded their ninth consecutive win this season with a 21-48 triumph over Cheetahs at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.

David Kaetau Havili scored the first try for the visitors in 11th minute which was followed by a double from Bridge in a span of five minutes while Mo'unga added two conversions and a penalty to take Crusaders to 22 points at the end of the first half.

Cheetahs only try before half time came from Raymond Rhule, who crossed over in the 18th minute with Niel Marais adding the extras as they trailed by 15 points.

Followed by a sin-bin from Armandt Koster, Mo'unga scored a converted try at the start of the second half to extend the advantage of Crusaders following which Havili (55'), Mitchell Drummond (57') and Bridge (68') all went past the line to take total to 48 points.

In response, Ox Nche and Sergeal Petersen were the try scorers for Cheetahs - with the second one coming after a double sin-bin for Crusaders to Sam Whitelock and Mitch Hunt. Crusaders continue to lead the New Zealand Conference as they are yet to lose a game this season while Cheetahs are third in Africa 1 Conference.