April 21 (Reuters) – New Zealand’s record points scorer Dan
Carter marked his 100th appearance for the Canterbury Crusaders
with a try as the seven-times Super Rugby champions romped to a
42-14 win over the Wellington Hurricanes on Saturday.
Carter, continuing at inside centre as he eases back into
the side following the groin injury that ended his 2011 World
Cup, ran in the second of his side’s five tries as the Crusaders
cruised to a bonus-point win over a woeful Wellington side.
The Crusaders were too powerful around the field with
captain and number eight Kieran Read leading the way in punching
holes in the home side’s defence.
Their victory was aided by poor kicking and a weak
Wellington set-piece as the home side avoiding taking scrums
after their pack were battered up front.
“The boys really stepped up, we knew that was an area we
could put some real heat on them and this tight five is working
really well,” Read said of his team’s scrum in a pitchside
interview.
The victory, their fifth from eight games, moved the
Crusaders above the Hurricanes into third in the New Zealand
conference. The Waikato Chiefs, who play away to the Sharks
later on Saturday, lead the conference after suffering only one
loss this season.
The Crusaders were in front after five minutes with Read on
hand to run in an easy try after winger Zac Guilford’s offload
as the Hurricanes started slow following a bye week.
Carter, who made his Crusaders debut against the same
opponents nine years ago, ran in the second in the 21st minute,
with his centre partner Robbie Fruean crossing 10 minutes later
in a move that summed up the Hurricanes poor first half.
The powerful Fruean leapt highest on halfway to collect a
poor up-and-under kick from the home side and, despite the
numerous players around him, waltzed through some pitiful
tackling to score an easy try.
Continued…
