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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.
Wes Goosen scores for the Hurricanes
Photo: Photosport
The scores were level 17-17 at halftime and 27-27 after 80 minutes, both teams each scoring three tries.
The match then went to 10 minutes of extra time, with the win going to the first team to score.
That was the Crusaders, second five-eighth David Havili capitalising on a charge-down to sink a dropped goal after barely a minute.
Last night s game between the Chiefs and Highlanders in Dunedin also went to golden point, Damain McKenzie kicking the match-winning penalty for the visitors.
The Crusaders - upset 33-12 by the Highlanders last week - started strongly in Wellington this afternoon, two George Bridge tries pushing them out to a 14-3 lead after 25 minutes.