Crusaders return back to winning ways with 8-25 victory over Blues

Blues 8-25 Crusaders, Eden Park
Scorecard

Crusaders have returned back to winning ways as they defeated Blues in the third round of Super Rugby with a 8-25 margin at Eden Park on Friday.

This is Crusaders' second win from three games as they reclaimed the top spot in New Zealand Conference while Blues are at third with five points.

Blues started the proceedings with a sixth minute try from Patrick Tuipulotu after Stephen Perofeta laid the foundation. The response from Crusaders came with a 32nd minute penalty goal from David Havili before they reclaimed the lead with a try from George Bridge, who made most of the offload from Jack Goodhue.

Havili missed the conversion but added another penalty to ensure Crusaders had a 5-11 lead at the end of the first half.

Harry Plummer with a penalty at the start of the second half reduced the deficit for Blues but the visitors responded back strong with Richie Mo'unga made most of the pass from Michael Alaalatoa and Havili kicked the conversion.

Goodhue turned from provider to scorer as he dotted down Crusaders' third try in the 58th minute while Havili improved it to complete a 8-25 win.