TNT Sports
Crusaders crush Bulls
By
Published 17/03/2007 at 10:28 GMT
The Crusaders were in formidable form as they crushed South Africa's Bulls 32-10 on Saturday, to get back on track for a seventh title. The Christchurch side outscored the Bulls four tries to one - which gave them a valuable bonus point - and helped move them within reach of the top four.
RUGBY 2007 Super 14 Canterbury Crusaders Canterbury Crusaders-Northern Bulls
Image credit: Reuters
It is an ominous warning for their Super 14 rivals because they have played the first seven rounds without their New Zealand internationals Richie MacCaw and Dan Carter, who were both banned from playing in order to undergo World Cup conditioning training.
But the two world-class players will be available from next week.
"That was our focus, we wanted to make them push for a position and I think we've done that," said captain Corey Flynn in a televised interview.
"We've got a lot of young players in this team but this really sets us up for the second half of the season."
The Crusaders lead 18-3 at halftime after openside flanker Johnny Leo'o and wing Rico Gear both scored tries.
The Bulls scored a consolation try from their flanker Wickus van Heerden while Derick Hougard landed a conversion and a penalty.
"That was probably our worst performance of the season," said Bulls captain Fourie du Preez.
"We made too many mistakes, too many handovers and missed too many tackles…we'll just have to go back to the drawing board."
The Crusaders welcome more South African opposition next week when the Stormers visit, while the Bulls travel to Dunedin to face Otago.
Advertisement
Advertisement