The Crusaders held off a determined challenge from New Zealand rivals the Hurricanes to win a bruising Super 14 match 23-13 in Christchurch on Friday.
The defending champions and competition leaders led 17-13 at half-time following tries by forwards Corey Flynn and Ross Filipo.
”There was a lot at stake but we are really happy to get the four points,” Crusaders captain Richie McCaw said in a televised interview. ”You have to take your opportunities when you get them and fortunately we were able to do that.”
The Hurricanes’ hopes of reaching the semifinals suffered another setback when their All Black flanker, Jerry Collins, was carried off with a neck injury early in the second half.
The Hurricanes scored the first try of the match when centre Ma’a Nonu burst through a huge hole in the Crusaders’ defensive line to touch down.
The Crusaders hit back strongly, however, with the two tries before the interval.
Hooker Corey Flynn brushed aside two weak tackles in a powerful surge to score in the left corner, and lock Ross Filipo plunged over from close range after good work by the Canterbury pack following a lineout.
Carter slotted both conversions and kicked a penalty but the Hurricanes narrowed the deficit to 17-13 at half-time with two penalties from flyhalf Piri Weepu.
Collins was carried off the pitch shortly after the interval with a neck injury sustained in an innocuous looking tackle and the Crusaders gradually took control through Carter’s boot.
He nailed a long-range penalty to extend the lead to 20-13 and, after the Hurricanes failed to take advantage of a period of possession close to the Canterbury line, the All Blacks number 10 sealed victory with another immaculate kick. — Reuters