July 14 (Reuters) – The Canterbury Crusaders smashed
Australia’s Western Force in the first half before claiming a
bonus point 38-24 victory to secure fourth place in the final
Super Rugby standings on Saturday.
The seven-time champions ran in tries through Israel Dagg,
Sean Maitland, Andy Ellis and Matt Todd before the break to
ensure a playoff back at Rugby League Park in Christchurch next
weekend, most likely against South Africa’s Bulls or Sharks.
All Blacks Dan Carter and Richie McCaw were withdrawn at
halftime for the playoff campaign ahead and the Crusaders took
their foot off the gas to allow the Perth-based Force back into
the contest in the second half.
The Force scored a converted tries through Kyle Godwin,
Alfie Mafi and Josh Holmes to give Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe
something to smile about in his 162nd and final Super Rugby
match.
“We played with good intensity at the end of the first half
and really had them on the ropes and it’s a shame we couldn’t
continue it,” Crusaders skipper McCaw said in a televised
interview.
“We’re back to square one next week and we’ve ourself a
chance in the finals so we’ll see how that goes.”
The Crusaders started at a canter and the match was less
than a minute old when fullback Dagg touched down in the corner
and flyhalf Carter converted brilliantly from the touchline.
While there was room for debate about whether Dagg had got
the ball down cleanly, there was no doubt about Maitland’s
effort 15 minutes later after the winger cut through the defence
to score.
The fourth official was back in action after 34 minutes,
however, and he confirmed the third try despite scrumhalf Ellis
forcing his way over the line with what looked like a double
movement.
Continued…
