Wellington (AFP)
The Crusaders dominated the Auckland Blues on Saturday (26-15) to offer themselves at home a fourth victory in four meetings of Super Rugby Aotearoa, mini championship of five New Zealand franchises formed due to the coronavirus.
Now unbeaten for 36 games in their fortress in Christchurch, the Crusaders had started the intense duel against the second in the classification badly: as of yet, the Blues led 15-9.
But the leaders (18 pts), winners of the last three editions of Super Rugby, then inflicted an infernal pace and a 17-0 to the Blues (2nd, 12 pts), who have not won since 2004 with the Crusaders.
"It was a tough fight," said Crusaders captain and All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor. "They were in the lead for most of the game, but we knew if we could get out in the second period and win those little moments, we would get the job done."
Still too fair physically, the half-opening and legend of the All Blacks Dan Carter has not yet played with the Blues.
Results of the 5th day:
Saturday
Crusaders - Blues 26-15
Sunday
Hurricanes - Highlanders
Exempt: Chiefs
Program for the 6th day:
Hurricanes - Blues
Chiefs - highlanders
Exempt: Crusaders
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