Crusaders let the trophy slip

THE Crusaders clinched the Super Rugby Aotearoa title last Sunday and promptly damaged the trophy.

Their 32-22 victory over the Highlanders saw them win their fourth successive Super Rugby title.

The trophy was dropped while being passed around, causing chips to the base. Chief executive Colin Mansbridge said: “We’re unhappy with what’s happened with the trophy. I’m disappointed. By winning Super Rugby Aotearoa, we become kaitiaki (guardians) of the trophy – we haven’t fulfilled our obligations as kaitiaki as fully as we should.”

The Crusaders’ final match against the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland today has been cancelled due to a spike in Covid-19.

Last weekend the Hurricanes beat the Chiefs 31-18 to continue Warren Gatland’s miserable run in charge of the Waikato franchise. Gatland’s side have lost all six games in the competition.

Leading 17-14 inside the final half hour, the Chiefs conceded a late try to Finlay Christie. No.8 Pita Gus Sowakula looked to have scored a winner for the Chiefs but was ruled to have knocked on.

The Hurricanes could not repeat the feat yesterday with the Highlanders producing a blistering second-half display with 24 unanswered points to win 38-21 to close out the tournament.

In Australia, the Warratahs built on last weekend’s 45-12 win over the Reds with a 28-8 triumph away at Western Force.

Reds bounced back yesterday to end the Rebels’ three-game winning run with a gritty defensive display to triumph 19-3.

Next week sees the top side Brumbies host second placed Waratahs, while the winless Western Force are at home to the Reds.