Crusaders scrum-half Mitch Drummond rounded off an outstanding team try in his side’s 42-18 victory over the Waratahs in their Super Rugby Pacific encounter in Christchurch on Saturday.
With the match evenly poised at 14-8 in the Crusaders’ favour, the defending champions launched an attack from deep inside their half in the 27th minute. Fergus Burke set off on a run and beat three defenders before throwing an inside pass to David Havili just inside the Waratahs’ half.
He then offloaded to Leicester Faingaanuku, who bumped off Mark Nawaqanitawase as he made a beeline for the Waratahs‘ try-line. His progress was halted by Mosese Tuipulotu deep inside the visitors 22, but he managed to free his arms and offloaded to Richie Mo’unga, who was in the clear.
Despite cruising over the try-line, the Crusaders fly-half threw a cheeky inside pass to the on-rushing Drummond, who crossed for an easy five-pointer.
⏱️ Half-time in #SuperRugbyPacific:
🔴⚫️ Crusaders 28-8 Waratahs 🔵 #CRUvWAR
🔢 Catch the second half action live, here. 👉 https://t.co/BYFnFZ0khSpic.twitter.com/eznmuvEN8y
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) May 27, 2023
Click here for teams and scorers
Mo’unga added the extras before another converted try from Burke gave the Crusaders a comfortable 28-8 lead at half-time.
Earlier, Ben Donaldson opened the scoring for the Waratahs via a penalty after seven minutes, but the Crusaders struck back when Havili scored the opening try, which Mo’unga converted.
The Waratahs replied with a five-pointer from Jake Gordon before Codie Taylor also crossed the whitewash for the home side, who then controlled proceedings until the interval.
The early stages of the second half saw the Waratahs upping the ante on attack, and they were rewarded when Dylan Pietsch scored their second try in the 56th minute.
On the hour-mark, Mo’unga dotted down to put more daylight between his side and the visitors, but the Waratahs responded with a try from Nephi Leatigaga in the 75th minute.
The Crusaders finished stronger, however, and were rewarded when Sione Havili added another try just before full-time which sealed their victory and consolidated second spot on the Super Rugby Pacific table.
Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific
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