Crusaders triumph over Western Force in high-scoring encounter

Crusaders 55-33 Western Force, Apollo Projects Stadium

The Crusaders delivered an emphatic 55-33 victory over the Western Force at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, with winger Macca Springer stealing the spotlight after equaling the Super Rugby Pacific single-game try-scoring record with an incredible five-try performance.

The match began with the Western Force making an early statement. A penalty inside the first two minutes allowed Max Burey to open the scoring, putting the visitors ahead 3-0.

However, the Crusaders wasted no time responding. Hooker Codie Taylor forced a crucial turnover, leading to a break that allowed Macca Springer to score his first try, giving the Crusaders a 5-3 lead.

The Force refused to back down and struck back in the 15th minute when Mac Grealy finished off a strong attacking sequence after a brilliant offload from Will Harris, reclaiming the lead at 8-5. But the Crusaders' class shone through as Springer crossed for his second try just minutes later, capitalizing on a pinpoint kick from Braydon Ennor, putting the hosts back in front 10-8.

The lead continued to change hands as the Force earned another penalty, with Burey adding three more points to edge them ahead 11-10. But the Crusaders’ attack remained relentless. Sevu Reece finished off a sweeping backline move in the 28th minute, stretching the score to 15-11.

The Force managed to hit back before halftime, taking advantage of a quick tap penalty as Harris powered over, with the conversion pushing them to an 18-15 lead.

Just before the break, Reece bagged his second try, punishing a defensive lapse from the visitors to send the Crusaders into halftime with a 20-18 lead.

The second half saw the Crusaders turn up the intensity, immediately punishing the Force’s errors. A turnover in midfield led to Reece completing his hat-trick in the 42nd minute, extending the lead to 25-18.

The Crusaders introduced James O’Connor at fly-half, and his impact was immediate, orchestrating a set-play that resulted in Springer’s third try, widening the gap to 32-18.

With the Force struggling to keep up, Springer continued his try-scoring spree, adding two more tries in the space of eight minutes, effectively sealing the contest at 46-18.

The Force showed some fight late in the game, as captain Jeremy Williams crossed the line in the 68th minute, cutting the deficit to 46-25. But the Crusaders were relentless, as Will Jordan joined the scorers with a stunning long-range effort, extending the lead to 53-25.

A late consolation try from the Force’s Harry Potter wasn’t enough to shift the momentum, and a final penalty goal from the Crusaders closed the match at 55-33.