Uncharacteristic mistakes hurt Crusaders

The Crusaders are in an unfamiliar position after back to back Super Rugby losses, and the coach Todd Blackadder said uncharacteristic mistakes are hurting them.

The Chiefs followed up last week's surprise win against the Blues by beating the Crusaders 24-19 in Napier last night.

Blackadder said the team will use the bye this week to put in some hard work in training to come back stronger.

He said he didn't agree with the referee decision which saw Andy Ellis's try in the 30th minute disallowed for offside.

Meanwhile, Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett said the physical conditioning of his players meant they were able to hold up well in the heat of Perth to beat the Western Force 46-19, completing back to back Super Rugby wins.

The Hurricanes ran in six tries in temperatures as hot as 39 degrees, including three by halfback TJ Perenara on his first start for the side.

The 19-year-old was impressive in his 60 minutes as the visitors produced devastating counter attack running to score six tries.

At 4.35pm Brumbies take on Cheeetahs, at 6.35pm Highlanders meets Waratahs, 8.40pm Reds will face the rebels.

Story by: Ronal Deo
Source: stuff.co.nz