03-20-2010, 01:58 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pensacola, FL
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Lions v Crusaders:
Quote:
Todd Blackadder's decision to rest six stars from his Crusaders against the Lions paid off as his side secured a bonus point 46-19 victory, but not before the visitors threatened a major upset at AMI Stadium.
Saturday's first match was predicted to be an avalanche of points in the direction of the home side, even with the likes of Dan Carter and four All Blacks forwards being saved for more difficult opponents than the lowly Lions.
That proved to be the case in the end but the Crusaders were flattered by some late tries after the Lions had remained in the contest until the final quarter. Sean Maitland grabbed a double including the crucial opening and bonus point tries, while Colin Slade deputised for Carter with aplomb, kicking 21 points in the process.
Maitland burned impressive American No.8 Todd Clever for pace out wide to get the scoring started, but the Lions, who tend to start with a desperate energy before petering out, hit back through hooker Hannes Franklin who sneaked straight through the middle of a lazy defence.
Franklin's opposite number Ti'i Paulo then made his own bust in the 24th minute to put flanker Jonathan Poff, in the side for rested George Whitelock, into space. Poff still had to show some pace and agility for a big unit to beat two men and score.
Burton Francis, in at No.10 for the dropped Carlos Spencer, excelled from the kicking tee in his ongoing battle with Slade to keep the Lions in touch, but Adam Whitelock's try in the 60th minute made the result safe. Maitland secured the bonus point out wide before Willie Heinz took a quick tap after the hooter and grabbed a cherry-on-top try for the high-flying Crusaders, who stay in touch with the Bulls at the summit.
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Crusaders overrun Lions | Rugby Union | Super 14 2010 | Rugby News | Scrum.com |
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