Crusaders record first win of the season after beating Chiefs 37-26

Defending Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Champion the Crusaders recorded their first win of the season after beating the Chiefs 37-26 last night in Christchurch.

This was after they had their worst-ever start to a Super Rugby season recording 5 consecutive losses in the first 5 matches.

It was also a bonus point win for the home side after scoring 5 tries to the Chiefs’ 4 tries.

Crusaders’ winger Johnny McNicholl scored a double in the win.

Crusaders scored 3 tries through Fijian fullback Chay Fihaki, McNicholl and Cullen Grace with two conversions and a penalty goal to Riley Hohepa while the Chiefs scored two tries to Fijian winger Emoni Narawa and George Dyer with one conversion as the game went into the break with the Crusaders holding a 22-12 lead.

The home side scored a further two tries through hooker George Bell and McNicholl with a conversion and a penalty to Rivez Reihana while the Chiefs scored two converted tries also through Anton Lienert-Brown and Cortez Ratima.

Despite the win, the Crusaders still sit at the bottom of the table with 7 points.

In another match last night, the Rebels overcame the Waratahs 27-21.

Meanwhile, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will play the Western Force at 1.05pm today while the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women play the Force at 3.35pm at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

In other matches today, Moana Pasifika will take on the Blues at 3.35pm, the Hurricanes will play the Highlanders at 6.05pm and the Reds will face the Brumbies at 8.35pm.