Crusaders return back to winning ways with 8-32 triumph over Hurricanes

Hurricanes 8-32 Crusaders, Westpac Stadium
Scorecard

Crusaders managed to return back to winning ways as they trounced Hurricanes 8-32 in their Super Rugby clash at Westpac Stadium on Friday.

This is Crusaders' fourth win from six games as they maintain the top place in New Zealand Conference with 24 points while Hurricanes are at second place with 19 points.

Jordie Barrett kick-started the proceedings with a seventh-minute penalty goal but back to back tries from Will Jordan (16') and David Havili (24') followed by a double conversion from Richie Mo'unga made it 3-14 in the first 30 minutes.

As the half time was approaching, Crusaders suffered a setback when Matt Todd was sin-binned in the 31st minute and Ngani Laumape capitalised immediately on the numerical advantage as he dotted down but that remained their final points for the remainder of the game.

With four minutes left before the break, Mo'unga kicked his maiden penalty goal as the teams ended the first half with an 8-17 scoreline.

The visitors stepped up the ante at the start of the second half with Havili scoring his second in the 44th minute and Braydon Ennor followed the suit with a 51st-minute touchdown taking the scoreline to 8-29.

As Hurricanes failed to score a try in the final moments, Mo'unga ensured Crusaders completed an 8-32 win with a 72nd-minute penalty win.

“We looked at ourselves pretty heavily, our decision-making and how we play,” said Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock.

“I thought tonight we controlled the ball better and it allowed us to play when we wanted.”