Crusaders crush Kings in Christchurch

The Crusaders defeated the Kings 55-20 in their first overseas encounter in Christchurch on Saturday, 23 March 2013. 

For the Kings, the result will be disappointing in the sense that they did slip more tackles in this match than they had previously, but then maybe that was inevitable if you consider the physical and mental toll that the last two home matches before their tour would have taken on the players, not to mention the long flight to New Zealand this week.

The match was only three minutes old when the Crusaders embarked on a side-to-side attack that eventually saw flanker George Whitelock go over in the left corner. A Demetri Catrakilis penalty cancelled out one from Dan Carter and it was 10-3 after 12 minutes, but then came another long sustained build-up in which the Crusaders controlled possession superbly before prop Wyatt Crockett eventually went over near the posts.

The try was a debatable one as it did look like there may have been obstruction in the build-up, and the last Crusaders try, dotted down by George Whitelock to complete his hat-trick in the closing minutes of the game, was also questionable as it looked suspiciously like the flanker had been held up on the line before making a second movement.

The Kings did show momentary glimmers of promise on attack, and a Catrakilis break after 19 minutes created an opportunity to score a try that was wasted but did force a penalty which the flyhalf kicked to make it 17-6. They did score a good try though on the stroke of halftime as they drove over from an attacking lineout that had been set up by a penalty, with Wimpie van der Walt completing the touchdown.

The Kings’ try, converted by Catrakilis, saw the teams take the break at 31-13 to the Crusaders, and it became 48-13 by the 57th minute as first Matt Todd powered over. Luke Whitelock capitalised on a poor Kings lineout throw and some woeful defence near the line for his five pointer.

George Whitehead’s try, completing a movement starting well inside the Kings’ half, was probably the try of the match.

Scorers

Crusaders – Tries: George Whitelock (3), Wyatt Crockett, Willi Heinz, Matt Todd, Luke Whitelock. Conversions: Dan Carter (5), Tyler Bleyendaal. Penalties: Carter (2).

Southern Kings – Tries: Wimpie van der Walt, George Whitehead. Conversions: Demetri Catrakilis, George Whitehead. Penalties: Catrakillis (2).