Dominant Crusaders Spoil Ben Smiths Party

Dominant Crusaders Spoil Ben Smiths Party

The Highlanders headed to Christchurch looking to end a four-game losing streak and pay tribute to one of the legends of the franchise, Ben Smith, who was celebrating his 150th appearance for the Southernmost club.

However, Scott Robertson's men had different ideas as they blew the visitors away in the second half, as they have done time and time again over the past few seasons.

The Highlanders have kept things relative close this season with each of their last eight completed Super Rugby games, heading into the fixture in Christchurch, having been decided by a margin of seven points or fewer. However, they were found wanting at AMZ Stadium as the Crusaders scored 6 tries on their way to a convincing 43-17 victory.




The victory over the Highlanders extends the Crusaders lead on top of the New Zealand conference to 11 points, with the Hurricanes still to play this weekend. 

Ben Smith opened up the scoring in second minute of the match with a lovely step to mark his milestone match with a try, Josh Ioane added the extras and a penalty as the Highlanders lead 10-0.



The Crusaders fought back and finally broke through the Highlanders defence with 21-year-old winger Braydon Ennor dotting down in the 26th minute after a lengthy phase play as the Highlanders went into the break holding a slender 3-point advantage. 

That would be the last time the Highlanders would hold the lead as David Havili benefitted from some superb interplay by Jack Goodhue and Whetu Douglas to put the home side in the lead moments after the break.

The Crusaders pack was awarded a try in the 51st from a dominant scrum before Sevu Reece dotted down after Richie Mo'unga found Ennor with his cross-kick with the winger putting Reece through.

Replacement halfback Mitchell Drummond got his name on the scoresheet soon after he replaced Bryn Hall before Josh Ioane got a consolation try back for the visitors. Young fullback Will Jordan sealed the bonus point victory for the Crusaders. 



Top Performers.

Ben Smith was excellent in defeat for the Highlanders, the veteran All Black beat 7 defenders and made three clean breaks.

Richie Mo'unga bossed the second half as the Crusaders took control of the game, he also beat 7 defenders and completed three offloads.

The Crusaders' wingers stepped up once again with both Reece and Ennor scoring and assisting a try each while Reece also topped the metres gained with 99.

The Crusaders' Royal Royce pack steamrolled the Highlanders with tighthead prop Mike Alaalatoa a standout, particularly at scrum time. 

 

In this Article

Latest News