The Auckland Blues have put an end to the Canterbury Crusaders' 15-match winning streak, securing a decisive 39-5 win over the reigning Super 12 champions. This victory marks the third consecutive week where the Blues have managed to accumulate five points.
Currently, the Blues are leading the competition, holding a two-point advantage over the Highlanders, who are the only other team that has maintained a perfect record so far. Despite the Crusaders' impressive unbeaten run of 13 games last year, they struggled against the Blues' robust defense and swift counter-attacks.
Fly-half Carlos Spencer played a pivotal role in the Blues' triumph, showcasing his exceptional running skills and tactical kicking. He successfully converted three wide attempts, with two of these crucial conversions occurring at the start of each half. These conversions were scored by the dynamic wingers Rupeni Caucaunibuca and Joe Rokocoko.
Although the Crusaders, a squad filled with All Blacks, demonstrated strength in their drives and scrums, they fell short in comparison to the Blues, who tackled aggressively and forced multiple turnovers. A notable performance came from inside centre Sam Tuitupou, whose relentless defensive efforts and significant tackles stood out. Tuitupou also contributed to the scoreboard, scoring the Blues' third try early in the second half.
The match saw a period of stalemate between both sides before Spencer intercepted a pass, leading to a try. The fullback Doug Howlett added the final points in injury time. Remarkably, during the scoring of the last two tries, Blues lock Ali Williams was in the sin bin for a professional foul.
The Blues began the game on a high note, with Spencer's break and quick passes from Howlett setting up Caucaunibuca for a try in the left corner. A penalty kick by Spencer extended the lead, though the Crusaders briefly responded with a try from number eight Scott Robertson. Another penalty by Spencer ensured a 13-5 halftime lead for the Blues.
Within 30 seconds of the second half, the Blues increased their lead to 20-5, thanks to a lucky ricochet and a well-timed pass to Rokocoko, who reached over in the corner. The Blues will now enjoy a bye next weekend, while the Crusaders aim to bounce back against the Waikato Chiefs in Christchurch.
In another match, the Chiefs secured a convincing 43-27 win over Queensland in Hamilton, leaving the Reds as the only team without a victory this season. After trailing 19-20 at halftime, the Chiefs dominated the second half, outscoring the Reds 24-0. Despite a late try by rugby league recruit Wendell Sailor, who scored twice, the Reds' numerous handling errors and poor performance overshadowed their efforts.
Fullback Christian Cullen made history by becoming the first player to score 50 Super 12 tries, adding two more to his tally in the Hurricanes' 33-18 win over the Stormers in Wellington. This victory, featuring five tries, marked a turnaround for the Hurricanes after a lackluster start to the season.
The ACT Brumbies faced a narrow 34-32 defeat against the Cats in Johannesburg, despite leading four times in a closely contested match. The Cats' replacement lock Juan Smith sealed the win with his second try in the final minutes.
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