Mo'unga helps Crusaders to edge past Blues

Blues 21-26 Crusaders, Eden Park
Scorecard

Fly-half Richie Mo'unga kicked 16 points with the boot for the Crusaders as they recovered from a five-point half-time deficit to beat Blues by 21-26 at Eden Park in the Super Rugby round 14 clash on Saturday.

Crusaders wing Nemani Nadolo got his team on the board by scoring the first try of the match in the ninth minute as Mo'unga shortly added the extras.

Blues fly-half Ihaia West managed to get across the try line in the 16th minute to open his side's account. However, he failed to make the conversion, thus keeping his side behind by two points but managed to successfully score the penalty in the 30th minute to repair the damage.

Mo'unga put his side ahead once again on the 37th minute by scoring a penalty.

The fortune was short-lived as Blues centre George Moala scored a try on the penultimate minute of the first-half as West made no mistake this time with the conversion.

With a five-point deficit, the Christchurch side launched a bold counter-attack against the home side. Mo'unga scored a penalty in the 46th minute, however, West restored the lead by scoring a penalty on the 49th minute.

With 31 minutes left on the clock and a trail of five points, Todd Blackadder's men lifted their game at the very right time. Replacement scrum-half Andy Ellis crossed over for a try in the 61st minute as Mo'unga added two more with the conversion.

Mo'unga carried on his impressive run by scoring two more penalties in the 70th and 74th minute respectively to put the visitors ahead by eight points with six minutes left on the clock.

A late penalty goal by centre Piers Francis was inadequate to make an impact on Crusaders' lead as they cruised across the line to a five-point victory.