Penalty tries save Crusaders

Winger Manasa Mataele scored two tries, while referee Nick Briant awarded two penalty tries as the Canterbury Crusaders began their quest for a 10th Super Rugby title with a 24-22 win over the Auckland Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.

Briant awarded a penalty try in each half as the Crusaders’ All Blacks forwards asserted their dominance over the Blues, who were unexpectedly competitive but buckled at crucial moments.