Crusaders edge Hurricanes 30-27 in extra time in Super Rugby
April 11, 2021 GMT
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Center David Havili kicked a dropped goal in the second minute of golden point extra time Sunday to give four-time defending champions the Crusaders a 30-27 win over the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The Crusaders came close to rare back-to-back defeats. After last weekend’s shock loss to the unfancied Highlanders, they were fully stretched by the last-placed Hurricanes who led 27-20 before a late try to winger Sevu Reece left the teams locked 27-27 at fulltime.
Hurricanes stand-in captain James Blackwell won the toss and chose to receive the kick-off but to play into the wind in extra time in which the first team to score would win. A charged-down kick saw the Hurricanes almost immediately give up possession and Havili stepped up to land the dropped goal from close range.