The Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 27-30 in a thrilling Round Seven Super Rugby Aotearoa clash at Sky Stadium, Wellington.
David Havili kicked the winning drop-goal two minutes into Golden Point extra time – the second of the round – as the Crusaders go back to winning ways following last week’s upset against the Highlanders.
The Crusaders have not lost back-to-back Super Rugby games since March 2018, but they were in danger of it happening today for long stretches as unforced errors – especially from Scott Barrett – threatened to undo the champions.
Jordie Barrett and Richie Mo’unga both had chances to win the game late in regulation time before Havili’s boot put an end to a fascinating Super Rugby Aotearoa match.
Barrett missed a long-range penalty from behind his own 10-metre line, and Mo’unga’s 79th-minute drop-goal went wide.
The teams shared six tries, three apiece in a seesawing battle in the capital; a game that could only be separated by the Golden Point system.
Both teams scored two converted tries and a penalty apiece in an open first-half in the Wellington sunshine.
The second stanza was just as tight as the sides both added another converted try to go with a penalty goal.
Ardie Savea was immense, putting in one of the great Super Rugby displays. Jordie Barrett was at the heart of everything, and the fullback’s strong defending is why the Canes were in this game at the end.
Hookers Dane Coles and Codie Taylor duked it out, both winning crucial turnovers, making important tackles while playing roles in their teams’ tries.
The Hurricanes scrum had the Crusaders reeling at times, but the home team’s lineout was a shambles, losing six throws from 13.
Joe Moody limped off early in his 100th appearance, which may have accounted for the Hurricanes’ scrum dominance. Jack Goodhue also left the field limping.
Each team leaked penalties and the handling left much to be desired. Yet, despite all this, the game was gripping.
There could easily have been several more tries but for some superb last-ditch tackling, or the dodgy passing and catching.
Scott Robertson’s side dominate the early exchanges, but Jason Holland’s men fight back
The Crusaders dominated both possession and territory, but they were never in full control at any stage of the contest.
Ngani Laumape and Julian Savea crossed for the hosts, while George Bridge bagged a brace. Barrett and Mo’unga added the rest of the points from the tee.
Barrett opened the scoring – after missing his first penalty attempt – before Bridge’s double, and the boot of Mo’unga saw Robertson’s men take a 14-3 lead after 25 minutes.
Bridge was tackled short of the try line by Laumape before wrigging over and being held up. It looked like a double movement, but the TMO awarded the try.
The 26-year-old flyer was at it again, he had his brace after Taylor’s long, floated pass to Will Jordan set up the winger.
Just as the visitors looked to be pulling away, the home team fought back with two stunning tries in four minutes.
The Hurricanes almost fluffed the opportunity after Xavier Numia’s loose pass, but Laumape gathered Coles’ pass and ran a beautiful line at George Bower (on for Moody). The inside centre beat the prop, and the cover defenders to score.
A few minutes later, Julian Savea had his try. The “Bus” struck for the home team after Scott Barrett lost the restart.
James Blackwell made the run down the touchline, played in the winger, who raced away to score in the corner.
Mo’unga kicked a penalty in between tries as the sides went into the shed all square at 17-all.
Hurricanes hang on with 14 men and even take the lead as the Crusaders flounder
Laumape was yellow carded after the hooter in the first half for foul play on Scott Barrett. The card did not prove costly as the Canes came out flying after the break.
Holland’s charges navigated the 10-minute period expertly, scoring a converted try.
Wes Goosen scored soon after the restart, and Jordie Barrett converted from wide as the home team regained the lead for the first time since the 10th-minute.
Goosen opened the second stanza scoring after a superb run by Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett.
Coles’ run off the ball took two defenders away from Goosen, who stepped inside the cover defenders and ran away to score.
Mo’unga and Barrett traded penalties as the game entered the final quarter at 27-20.
Sevu Reece, set away by Mo’unga, scored under the posts. The flyhalf converted as the defending champions levelled with 15 minutes remaining.
Barrett missed a monster 63-metre penalty attempt with seven minutes to play as the Hurricanes searched for the win. Mo’unga missed a late drop-kick from distance as the game went into Golden Point Extra Time.
Mitchell Dunshea charged down and regathered from the restart, the balls went through the hands as the visitors probed.
Havili dropped back into the pocket and slotted the game-winning points to increase his side’s lead on the Super Rugby Aotearoa log.
Final Score after Golden Point Extra Time: Hurricanes 27 (17) Crusaders 30 (17)
Scorers
Hurricanes
Tries – Laumape, J. Savea, Goosen
Pen – J. Barrett (2)
Con – J. Barrett (3)
Drop –
Cards – Laumape (Yellow, 43′)
Crusaders
Tries – Bridge (2), Reece
Pen – Mo’unga (2)
Con – Mo’unga (3)
Drop – Havili
Cards –
Match Officials
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 1: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 2: Brendon Pickerill
TMO: Glenn Newman
Teams
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Wes Goosen, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Luke Campbell, 8 Devan Flanders, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Xavier Numia
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Scott Scrafton, 20 Vaea Fifita, 21 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 22 Cameron Roigard, 23 Billy Proctor
Crusaders
15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Sione Havili Talitui, 6 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Oliver Jager, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Mitchell Dunshea, 20 Tom Sanders, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Dallas McLeod, 23 Leicester Fainga’anuku
