Crusaders reclaim top position with 33-24 win over Blues

Crusaders 33-24 Blues, AMI Stadium
Scorecard

Crusaders came up with a dominant second half performance as they came from behind to register a 33-24 win over Blues in their Super Rugby encounter at AMI Stadium on Friday.

George Moala opened Blues' account with a 10th minute try following which fly-half Piers Francis added the conversion. Wing Manasa Mataele responded with a try of his own in the 24th minute to reduce the gap to just two points.

However, scrum half Augustine Pulu followed by a second try from Moala ensured Blues ended the first half with a 5-21 lead after Francis converted both the tries.

Francis further extended Blues advantage with a successful penalty at the start of the second half as the lead swelled to 19 points. Replacement Ben Funnell and Peter Samu gave Crusaders' hope with a try each in a span of seven minutes. Double conversion from Mitch Hunt reduced to the gap to five points.

Just as the game was heading for the final 10 minutes, Hunt scored a converted try to take Crusaders to a two point lead which later was stretched to nine points following a 79th minute touch down from Mitchell Drummond.

The win has taken Crusaders to the top of New Zealand conference while Blues are placed at fourth.