CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — The defending champion Crusaders fanned their faint playoff hopes in Super Rugby Pacific Friday with a six-try, 39-0 win over the fourth-placed Melbourne Rebels. The win was only the Crusaders’ second in nine games this season but temporarily bounced them off the bottom of the championship ladder and brightened their chances of reaching the quarterfinals with five matches remaining. The Christchurch-based Crusaders fielded the biggest pack they could find and crushed the Rebels’ scrum, winning penalties and territory through the first 30 minutes. The Crusaders’ All Blacks props Fletcher Newell and George Bower dominated while the Rebels were forced to swap their entire front row in the 31st minute. The Crusaders also freely poached the Rebels’ lineout ball, helped by the return from injury of All Blacks lock Scott Barrett. |
Paul McCartney's psychedelic Wings 1972 doubleCanton Fair opens in China with surge in overseas purchasersMadonna, 65, flashes her cleavage while leaning over a Bible with a man next to her as she covers ReEuropean farCommentary: Resilience, potential, fundamentals of Chinese economy remain soundGilbert dominant on mound and gets help from Rodríguez in the field as Mariners top Reds 3A woman who accused Trevor Bauer of sex assault is now charged with defrauding exTyler Myers, Thatcher Demko help Canucks beat Flames 4UN appeals for $2.8 billion to help 3 million Palestinians in desperate need of food and other aidKylie Kelce celebrates her sixth wedding anniversary with husband Jason