Tough night as Canes lose 20-12 to the Crusaders

Sat 13th May

Canes lose tough battle against Crusaders

A single try separated the Hurricanes and Crusaders after an absorbing night of Investec Super rugby in Christchurch ended with the home team maintaining their unbeaten record in 2017.

The Hurricanes gave everything and fought until the fulltime whistle, but struggled to build attacking continuity in slippery conditions at a sold out AMI Stadium during a 20-12 loss.

It was the Hurricanes second loss from ten matches and the first time the team have not scored a try this season, four penalties to fullback Jordie Barrett their only points.

CAPTION: Hurricanes fullback Jordie Barrett kicked four penalties against the Crusaders. PHOTO: Getty Sport

Crusaders first five Richie Mo'unga opened the scoring with a penalty after 11 minutes and it was a sign of things to come as the two sides traded penalties through a try-less first half.

Mo'unga and Barrett kicked three penalties apiece in the first 40 minutes as the match hung on a knife's edge heading into the break.

Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd will lament missed opportunities, a clean break from powerhouse second five Ngani Laumape on 16 minutes earning a penalty, but hinting at more and an intercept from prop Jeffery To'omaga-Allen similarly promising.

CAPTION: Hurricanes No.8 Brad Shields does his best to help stop a Crusaders attack in Christchurch. PHOTO: Getty Sport

But it was the Crusaders who struck the decisive blow in the 51st minute when they drove a lineout through the middle of the Hurricanes pack for captain Matt Todd to crash over for the only try of the night and a 14-9 lead.

The Hurricanes fought hard to stay in the match and were still a chance when Barrett knocked over his fourth penalty with 20 minutes to play, but Mo'unga's fourth and fifth penalties ended any chance of stealing a late win.

Laumape ran hard all night and loose forwards Brad Shields, Ardie Savea and Reed Prinsep worked tirelessly in defence, but the Hurricanes struggled to penetrate the Crusaders defence as pushed passes in the slippery conditions proved a hindrance.