Saders down brave Emirates Lions

2019-04-26

The Emirates Lions fought bravely, but their best efforts were not enough for a rampant Crusaders side, who won their Vodacom Super Rugby clash by 36-10 in front of the Christchurch faithful on Friday morning.

The match was a repeat of last year’s final, which produced the same winning outcome for the Kiwi side.

The Crusaders led by 17-3 at halftime, courtesy of two converted tries and a penalty goal, and they added three more tries in the second stanza to register a comfortable and deserving win.

It was a gallant effort by the embattled Emirates Lions, whose inspirational captain Warren Whiteley had to withdraw from the team after he failed a late fitness test on the eve of the match. Furthermore, Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx was also rested for this encounter.

The Crusaders were rewarded with tries through by Braydon Ennor, and two each by wingers Sevu Reece and George Bridge, while pivot Richie Mo’unga slotted four conversions and a penalty goal. The Jozi side scored a try through fullback Ruan Combrinck and a conversion and penalty goal by midfielder Elton Jantjies.

After three weeks on the road, the Emirates Lions will return to South Africa. They have a bye next weekend, and face the Waratahs on 11 May at Emirates Airline Park (15:05).

Scorers:

Crusaders 36 (17) – Tries: Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece (2), George Bridge (2). Conversions: Richie Mo’unga (4). Penalty goal: Mo’unga.

Emirates Lions 10 (3) – Try: Ruan Combrinck. Conversion: Elton Jantjies. Penalty goal: Jantjies.

Annemie Bester