Crusaders build momentum for Super 15 semis
Canterbury side sweep aside Highlanders to top New Zealand conference standings
Flanker Matt Todd scored two tries and Dan Carter kicked 12 points as the Crusaders beat the Highlanders 34-8 to win the New Zealand conference on Saturday and likely seal a home semi-final in the Super Rugby play-offs.
Carter, playing out of position at inside centre, landed four penalties and a conversion as the Crusaders posted their 11th win of the season to establish themselves as the best team in a strong New Zealand pool.
They could only be denied a home semi-final if the Durban-based Sharks take a bonus point from their match against the Stormers early Sunday, Hong Kong time, and win that match by more than 36 points.
It’s been a good couple of weeks. The boys have had that edge in training
Meanwhile, the New South Wales Waratahs head into the play-offs unbeaten in seven games after mastering the Queensland Reds 34-3 in their final-round match in Brisbane.
The Waratahs claimed a bonus point in their four tries to nil victory in their biggest win over the Reds in Super Rugby.
Crusaders captain Ryan Crotty said: "We talked about being able to take momentum into the play-offs. We had a stuff-up against the Hurricanes a couple of weeks ago, but we've had a couple of good wins over the Blues and the Highlanders, which gives us that momentum going into the finals.
"It's been a good couple of weeks. The boys have had that edge in training. We've talked a lot about preparing generally and the guys feel pretty excited about what they can achieve."
