Crusaders 31Brumbies 29One week after securing the Super Rugby Aotearoa title the Crusaders escaped with a fortuitous victory from their first match against Australian opposition this year. The Brumbies, beaten Super Rugby AU finalists, brought a much-needed genuine contest to the opening round of transtasman encounters after the Highlanders and Hurricanes banked comfortable victories on Friday night. While the Crusaders scored five-tries-to-four their attack lacked penetration from the midfield where they were often guilty of drifting across field. David Havili of the Crusaders (R) is congratulated by Richie Mo'unga after scoring a try against the Brumbies. Crusaders 31 (Ethan Blackadder, Richie Mo'unga, David Havili, Brendon O'Connor, Cullen Grace tries; Mo'unga 3 cons)Brumbies 29 (Scott Sio, Irae Simone, Tom Banks, Rob Valetini tries; Noah Lolesio 3 cons, pen)HT: 19-7

Source: New Zealand Herald May 15, 2021 09:26 UTC