The Crusaders have defeated the Melbourne Rebels this evening in a comprehensive display that finally lifts the men in red and black off the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific table.
The home crowd were treated to a bonus-point victory, in which their side had full control throughout the match, finding themselves celebrating for only the second time this season. In a season that's been drilled as "the worst start in Crusaders history", this victory has come as important a time as it ever will.
Continually banging on the Rebels defensive line, the Crusaders spent much of the first half feeling their opposition out. Two early tries from Christian Lio-Willie and Cullen Grace set the pace from the start, with the Crusaders keeping the visitors scoreless at the end of the first half.
Quick to imprint their dominance on the second half, the Crusaders quickly notched up another couple of scores before the 50-minute mark through a penalty goal and a second try for Lio-Willie.
The match continued to run away from the Melbourne-based side from then on, with experienced front-row forward Owen Franks making his impact from the bench with a score for himself.
Back three players Sevu Reece and Johnny McNicholl ensured they wouldn't miss out on the scoresheet, as they added their own tries towards the end.
Final Score: Crusaders 39 - 0 Melbourne Rebels
More to follow...
0 Comments