Dan Carter’s boot saves Crusaders in 23-22 win over Waratahs
The seven-time champions Crusaders looked unconvincing as they scored two tries to three, with only the boot of Dan Carter securing victory through three penalties and two conversions.
The Canterbury Crusaders gave their Super Rugby play-off chances a massive boost with a 23-22 win over the NSW Waratahs in Christchurch yesterday.
The seven-time champion Crusaders looked unconvincing as they scored two tries to three, with only the boot of Dan Carter securing victory through three penalties and two conversions.
The Waratahs, who dominated much of the game, would have nailed a last-gasp victory in the final minutes had not Berrick Barnes kicked a penalty attempt wide after the final siren.
"It was get-out-of-jail all right, we struggled all night," Crusaders' captain George Whitelock said. "Probably the last 20 minutes we ground our way back into it and we were lucky to get away with a win."
The result cements the Crusaders' top-six spot, bearing down on New Zealand conference leaders and defending title holders the Waikato Chiefs, and leaves the Waratahs reliant on other results for a play-off berth.
"I thought our attitude tonight was really excellent and obviously we were just one kick short," said Waratahs skipper Dave Dennis, who did his chances of a place in the Australia back row no harm with an intercept to set up a try.