42 Crusaders capture unrebellious 17 Rebels

After their loss to the Blues last time out, Crusaders needed a response this time round against the Rebels. They suffered their first loss at the hands of the Blues after 18 years in Christchurch.

Crusaders trounced Rebels at Melbourne to win 42-17. Crusaders were not at their best on the day but made it count when it really mattered. Rebels with two wins this season knew it was going to be an uphill task with this match up as Crusaders had won six from their last eight matches. Crusaders led at the break 7-3.Cullen Grace with the try, Richie Mo'unga with the conversion and Reece Hodge with a penalty kick for the Rebels just before the half time whistle.

Early in the second half it was Crusaders again with the try, this time from Ethan Blackadder and converted by Mo'unga. There were a couple of changes for both sides just before the 50th minute. On the 51st minute, it was Blackadder again with the try and Mo'unga with the conversion.

So many errors from both teams with Crusaders having nine and Rebels having ten.

Goodhue made his first appearance for Crusaders after a year long knee injury. He was composed and looked back to take the game form where he left. Mo'unga was red hot for the Crusaders as he created numerous chances for the team and the try for Grace.

Leicester Fainga'anuku made incredible improvements in attack in the second half as he nailed the last nail of the coffin with a late try for Crusaders to win 42-17. This takes them to third with 33 points, three behind Blues in first place and two behind Brumbies in second place in the Super Rugby standings.

A win is all that matters regardless of how you do it. Scott Robertson, Crusaders coach,will demand a huge improvement before playing Waratahs in Sydney.