The Crusaders have overcome the Lions in a low scoring affair in their Super Rugby match in South Africa.
The defending champions were held scoreless in the first half, before scoring two tries in three minutes to win 14-8.
A try by captain Sam Whitelock in the 50th minute proved to be the catalyst to break through a stubborn Lions defence.
The Crusaders were deserved winners in an entertaining game that belied the low scoreline, with three second-half minutes proving crucial for the visitors as they came from behind to claim an away success.
Wing Madosh Tambwe got the only try of the game for the Lions with flyhalf Elton Jantjies kicking a late penalty, while centre Jack Goodhue also crossed for the visitors and flyhalf Mitch Hunt kicked two conversions.
The match was a repeat of last year's Super Rugby final at the same venue that was won 25-17 by the New Zealanders and just like that encounter provided much entertainment.
Standings — Super Rugby
Australian
| Pos. | P | W | D | L | +/- | Pts | Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rebels | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 46 | 20 |
WWWLWL
|
| 2 | Waratahs | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 28 | 14 |
WDLWW
|
| 3 | Reds | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | -7 | 13 |
LWWWL
|
| 4 | Brumbies | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -24 | 9 |
WLLWL
|
| 5 | Sunwolves | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | -108 | 2 |
LLLLL
|
New Zealand
| Pos. | P | W | D | L | +/- | Pts | Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hurricanes | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 81 | 19 |
LWWWW
|
| 2 | Crusaders | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 46 | 19 |
WWLLWW
|
| 3 | Chiefs | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 53 | 17 |
LWWWW
|
| 4 | Highlanders | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 14 |
WWWLL
|
| 5 | Blues | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -50 | 6 |
LLWLL
|
South African
| Pos. | P | W | D | L | +/- | Pts | Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lions | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 20 | 20 |
WWLWLL
|
| 2 | Stormers | 7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -21 | 13 |
LLLWWL
|
| 3 | Sharks | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 13 |
LDWLLW
|
| 4 | Bulls | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -40 | 9 |
WLLLLW
|
| 5 | Jaguares | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -40 | 8 |
LLLWLW
|
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