Andrew Mehrtens became the leading points-scorer in Super 12 rugby as he led the Canterbury Crusaders to a 40-36 win over South Africa’s Cats at Jade Stadium on Saturday.
Mehrtens kicked three penalties and two conversions — 13 points — but needed only his first penalty in the fourth minute to reclaim the points-scoring record he previously conceded to Wallabies fullback Matt Burke.
The All Blacks flyhalf, set to quit New Zealand and Super 12 rugby at the end of the season, entered the match with 959 points, tied with Burke, and reclaimed the record with the first of his five successful kicks at goal.
In a match of milestones, Crusaders and All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall became the third player after Wallabies halfback George Gregan and All Blacks hooker Anton Oliver to play 100 Super 12 matches.
Winger Rico Gear scored twice in the second half to give the Crusaders a four-try bonus point and keep them in second place on the championship table.
The four-time champions encountered more spirited opposition than had been expected from the lowly Cats, who took bonus points for their four tries and a loss by fewer than seven points.
”We made hard work of it,” said Crusaders captain Reuben Thorne. ”The Cats turned up to play and probably played smarter than we did in the conditions, particularly in the first half when we struggled to hold on to the ball. We kept on turning it over at crucial times and that’s not good enough.”
Winger Conrad Jantjes scored two of the Cats’ four tries. His first, in the 14th minute of the first half, gave them a lead they carried within 10 minutes of half-time.
His last, two minutes from full-time, clinched two bonus points that were poor consolation for an outstanding Cats performance.
”It’s always a disappointment to lose,” said Cats captain Wickus van Heerden. ”We came into the match in a situation where we had nothing to lose. We tried to get some pride back tonight and I think the guys did that.” — Sapa-AP