Print

Mail

wiki links

Chiefs end Crusaders' 26-game winning run

Tane Tu'ipulotu, left, of the Chiefs is tackled by Caleb Ralph of the Crusaders during the round fourteen Super 14 match between the Crusaders and the Chiefs at Lancaster Park, Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

AP, CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand

All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu scored two tries and flyhalf Stephen Donald kicked 20 points as the Waikato Chiefs beat the Canterbury Crusaders 30-24 yesterday.

The Chiefs strengthened their claim to a place in the tournament semi-finals and weakened Canterbury's grip on a home playoffs advantage, when they won at Jade Stadium for the first time since 1998. Their unexpected success snapped the Crusaders' run of 26 consecutive home wins stretching back over the past three years.

Sivivatu touched down in both halves, while Donald kept the Chiefs in front for almost three quarters of the match with seven goalkicks from eight attempts.

The Chiefs monopolized possession in the first half and led 20-13 at halftime. Canterbury closed to 20-19 but Sivivatu's second try in the 73rd minute proved a game-breaker.

The win lifted Waikato to third place in the standings after the first match of a final round which will decide all the playoff places and home advantages. The Chiefs, however, are not yet certain of a semi-finals place.

Canterbury scored a last minute try through All Blacks captain Richie McCaw to take a bonus point which put it two points clear at the top of the table.

Crusaders flyhalf Stephen Brett opened the scoring with a second minute penalty, but Donald landed his first two penalty goals in the 14th and 17th minutes to give the Chiefs a 6-3 lead.

Canterbury scored the first try of the match through lock Ross Filipo in the 25th minute and Brett converted to put the Crusaders ahead 13-6, but Donald chipped away at the margin with two goals.

Sivivatu's first try, chasing and expertly controlling a kick from All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina, gave the Chiefs a lead.

Canterbury rallied in the second half, closing within a point with two Brett penalties.

Donald nudged Waikato to a four-point lead with his sixth penalty and Sivivatu scored from a kick by Sione Lauaki to decide the match. McCaw's try came too late to change the result.
This story has been viewed 1525 times.