Crusaders beat Waratahs 35-20 in Christchurch

Crusaders 35-20 Waratahs, One NZ Stadium

The Crusaders opened Christchurch’s Super Round with a 35-20 win over the NSW Waratahs at One NZ Stadium, giving a full house of 25,237 fans a winning start at the new venue.

The hosts scored five tries to two and avoided the unwanted possibility of being swept by Australian opposition in the season.

Waratahs Start With Early Lead

The Waratahs began well and took the first points through two Sid Harvey penalties, moving 6-0 ahead after quietening the Christchurch crowd.

The Crusaders responded through Dallas McLeod, who came into the side after Sevu Reece was ruled out late through illness. McLeod finished well to get the home side moving and bring the match back in their favour.

The visitors were then reduced to 14 men when Miles Amatosero was shown a yellow card after an all-in scuffle. McLeod had another effort ruled out after replays showed obstruction, and the Waratahs survived that period without major damage.

Waratahs Hit Back With Brilliant Try

The Waratahs produced one of the best tries of the match before halftime. A full-field move involving multiple kicks eventually ended with Harvey scoring after Jack Gordon and Jack Debreczeni helped move the ball into dangerous space.

But the Crusaders still went into halftime ahead. Codie Taylor finished from a rolling maul, and the converted try gave the hosts a 14-13 lead at the break.

Crusaders Pull Clear After Break

The Crusaders built momentum early in the second half when former Crusader Ioane Moananu was shown a yellow card shortly after coming on for the Waratahs. Leicester Fainga'anuku then crossed to extend the lead.

The hosts struck again when the ball was moved wide with a flat kick and Dom Gardiner produced a superb outside pass to set up McLeod for his second try.

The Waratahs refused to disappear. David Havili was yellow-carded for a shoulder contact on Max Jorgensen, and the visitors used the momentum to close the gap through Teddy Wilson, who wriggled out of a tackle to score.

Springer Seals Crusaders Win

With the margin back to eight points and 15 minutes still to play, the Waratahs had a brief opening. But the Crusaders quickly shut it down.

Macca Springer straightened through a gap and raced over to put the result beyond reach, sealing a 35-20 win for the hosts.

It was not a flawless performance, but it was a valuable one for the Crusaders. They handled the big occasion better, took their chances and gave Christchurch’s Super Round a strong home opening.