The Crusaders hung on for a 17-13 win against the Brumbies in Christchurch on Saturday.
The result marks the Crusaders' first win in the opening round in seven years. They were made to fight hard for the victory against a determined Brumbies outfit.
Momentum was with the hosts in the first half. Seta Tamanivalu scored an early try and then Brumbies winger James Dargaville was sent to the sin bin in the 24th minute after a reckless challenge on Israel Dagg.
The Brumbies attempted to keep the Crusaders honest during the period of sanction, but eventually conceded a try when Dagg offloaded to No 8 Whetu Douglas. The Crusaders went into the break with a 12-3 lead.
The Brumbies hit back after the break with a try of their own. Rory Arnold finished for the visitors and Wharenui Hawera nailed a difficult conversion to bring the Brumbies within two points of the Crusaders.
The hosts stretched their lead in the 56th minute when Pete Samu scored off the back of a powerful Crusaders scrum. The Brumbies fought hard to remain in the game, and Hawera kicked a penalty goal in the 67th minute.
Richie Mo'unga missed two conversion attempts on the night, as well as a late shot at goal. Yet the Crusaders managed to hang on for the win.
Crusaders – Tries: Seta Tamanivalu, Whetu Douglas, Pete Samu. Conversion: Richie Mo’unga.
Brumbies – Try: Rory Arnold. Conversion: Wharenui Hawera. Penalties: Hawera (2).
Crusaders – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetu Douglas, 7 Pete Samu, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Ereatari Enari, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 David Havili.
Brumbies – 15 Aidan Toua, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 James Dargaville, 10 Wharenui Hawera, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Jordan Smiler, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter (c), 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Mann-Rea, 1 Nic Mayhew.
Subs: 16 Robbie Abel, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Lolo Fakaosilea, 21 De Wat Roos, 22 Andrew Smith, 23 Isaac Thompson.
Photo: Kai Scwoerer/Getty Images
