It took them a while to get going, but the Crusaders eventually wore the Blues down to claim a 26-21 Super Rugby win at Eden Park tonight, sending them to the top of the table.
A Kieron Fonotia break, followed by a nice inside ball to a supporting Andy Ellis, saw the Crusaders take the lead with 20 minutes to go.
Up until that point they had hardly threatened in the second half, trailing 18-13 and were well and truly on the back foot.
It was a pivotal moment in the game. Momentum shifted to the Crusaders and 10 minutes later another pivotal moment came. The Crusaders saw a two decisions go their way, leading to a penalty which they slotted to take the score to 23-18.
A further penalty extended that lead and despite a furious finish from the Blues, they were able to hold on.
The Blues put their best foot forward, holding the Crusaders to just one try in the first half, despite having next to no possession. They tackled everything the Crusaders threw at them, although at times creativity and directness seemed to disappear from the red-and-black's game.
Physicality was evident in the Blues' game as they came out after the break and momentum was very much on their side. Three points was all they could manage during that period though and when momentum swung, the lead proved to be not enough.
Nemani Nadolo got the scoring underway, finishing in the left corner after a good build up finished up the blindside from the Crusaders.
Not long after a charged-down kick led to Ihaia West taking a gap to narrow the scoreline back to 7-5, before a West penalty gave the Blues an 8-7 lead.
A Richie Mo'unga penalty goal gave the Crusaders the lead just before halftime, before Matt Duffie made a break off a lineout which led to George Moala scoring out wide to take the score to 15-10 at the break.
