Crusaders outscore Hurricanes 24-13 to take top position

Crusaders 24-13 Hurricanes, AMI Stadium
Scorecard

Crusaders maintained their impressive run as they went on to defeat Hurricanes 24-13 in their Super Rugby face-off at AMI Stadium on Friday.

Crusaders now have 11 wins from 13 games as they reclaimed the top place in New Zealand Conference while Hurricanes are at second.

The first quarter saw both teams hardly take their opportunities and it was in the 24th minute when Scott Barrett dived past the line from close range to score the opening try and Richie Mo'unga followed with a conversion to take the scoreline 7-0.

Jordie Barrett with a long-range penalty in the 28th minute got the visitors off the mark before Beauden Barrett slotted another three-pointer 10 minutes later to reduce the gap between the two teams to just one point at the end of the first half.

Crusaders thought they had their second try when David Havili charged down in the 47th minute but was tackled down by Julian Savea close to Hurricanes' try-line. However, Mo'unga kicked a penalty goal two minutes later to extend their lead which became 17-6 when Michael Alaalatoa crossed over at the end of the third quarter.

As the game was reaching its conclusion, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis provided more relief to Crusaders when Heiden Bedwell-Curtis dotted down in the 65th minute that was improved by Mo'unga. Even though Reed Prinsep pulled back things a bit with a 72nd minute try, Hurricanes succumbed to a 24-13 defeat.

HIGHLIGHTS: 2018 Super Rugby Week 15: Crusaders v Hurricanes
The @crusadersrugby edge a dramatic top of the table clash against the visiting @Hurricanesrugby with a dominant 24-13 victory in a cold and wet Christchurch. #Superrugby #CRUvHUR #Highlights pic.twitter.com/PUHg0HOKw3

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) May 25, 2018