Canterbury Crusaders climbed into Super 14 semifinal contention with a 32-20 win over the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday.
The defending champions moved up to fourth in the standings, tied on 32 points with third-placed Waikato Chiefs, who have a superior points difference. The Lions, with 19 points, stay 12th.
The Crusaders, with Leon MacDonald kicking 12 points, went ahead in the eighth minute when lock Isaac Ross crashed over after a good counterattack by the visitors that started in their own half.
The Lions replied with two excellent tries through scrumhalf Jano Vermaak and 20-year-old flanker Johan van Deventer to take a 12-7 lead.
The New Zealanders regained the lead when flyhalf Stephen Brett charged down Louis Ludik’s clearing kick before gathering for a try in the left corner.
The champions, 17-15 up at halftime, dominated the second half but it took them 22 minutes before they converted their territorial advantage and possession into points when lock Brad Thorn crashed over under the posts.
Lock Anton van Zyl scored a third try for the Lions but the Crusaders made the game safe and secured a bonus point when replacement hooker Dan Perrin galloped over from a lineout with 13 minutes remaining. – Reuters