Clinical Crusaders master Lions once again

The Crusaders once again tamed the Lions at Ellis Park as two second-half tries secured a 14-8 win in a repeat of last season’s Super Rugby final.

Returning to the venue where they were crowned champions for an eighth time last August, the Crusaders struggled to turn their dominance into points before the break.

The Lions led 5-0 at the end of a first half plagued by penalties, Madosh Tambwe finishing a flowing move out wide to score the game’s opening try.

However, the visitors – who saw Mitchell Hunt miss an early shot at the posts – seized control of the contest by crossing twice in the space of three second-half minutes.

After Sam Whitelock barged his way over from close range, Jack Goodhue capitalised on a fine burst from team-mate Manasa Mataele to touch down.

Hunt added both conversions and while Elton Jantjies cut the gap to six with a late penalty, the Crusaders held on in the closing stages to clinch a hard-fought victory on the road.

FULL-TIME: #SuperRugby Week #7@crusadersrugby control possession and score two second half tries to win close one away against @LionsRugbyCo in Johannesburg #LIOvCRU pic.twitter.com/KrFZlylrIj

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) April 1, 2018

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