Crusaders overpower Highlanders

The Crusaders have opened their season by scoring four tries to two in a 28-15 win over the Highlanders in their Super Rugby trial match Motueka.

Heavy pre-match rain and a soggy field detracted from the spectacle although it didn't stop the Crusaders racing 28-3 ahead midway through the third quarter.

The Highlanders responded with late tries to former Melbourne Rebels hooker Ged Robinson and centre Malakai Fekitoa.

Both teams made a series of changes throughout the game although the Crusaders appeared to gel better, particularly on counter attack.

They were playing together for the first time, having conducted an inter-squad practice match last week.

It was the Highlanders' second game of their pre-season campaign, having narrowly beaten the Brumbies in Queenstown.

All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg crossed early for the Crusaders, followed by a try to scrumhalf Andy Ellis, both of which were converted by first five-eighth Tyler Bleyendaal.

A 14-0 quarter-time advantage became 21-3 at half-time after wing Nafi Tuitavake scored a long-range try in response to flyhalf  Willie Ripia's penalty for the Highlanders.

The Crusaders fourth try was scored by centre Kieron Fonotia, a member of their wider training group.

It was converted by Colin Slade, in his first appearance since returning to the Crusaders following three injury-disrupted seasons with the Highlanders.

The scorers:

For the Crusaders:

Tries: Dagg, Ellis, Tuitavake, Fonotia

Cons: Bleyendaal 3, Slade

For the Highlanders:

Tries: Robinson, Fekitoa

Con: Ripia

Pen: Ripia

Teams:

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Rob Thompson, 13 Reynold Lee-Lo, 12 Ryan Crotty (captain), 11 Nafi Tuitavake, 10 Tyler Bleyendaal, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Jed Brown, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Tim Perry.

Replacements – from: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Joel Everson, Matt Todd, Willi Heinz, Colin Slade, Kieron Fonotia, Samuel Whitelock, Tom Taylor, Adam Whitelock, Zac Guildford, Mitchell Drummond, Corey Flynn, Daniel Lienert Brown.

Highlanders: 15 Kurt Baker, 14 Patrick Osborne, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Malakai Fekitoa, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Frae Wilson, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 John Hardie, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Ma'afu Fia, 2 Braydon Mitchell, 1 Chris King.

Replacements: Not available

Referee: Garratt Williamson

Source: NZ Newswire