Crusaders back-row Christian Lio-Willie rounded off a brilliant team try during his team’s 41-7 triumph over Moana Pasifika in their Super Rugby Pacific clash in Auckland on Friday.
With the teams still deadlocked at 0-0 during the early stages of the match, the Crusaders launched an attack in the 10th minute from just inside Moana’s half with Jack Goodhue taking the ball into contact.
He managed to get an offload out to Brodie McAlister, who then exchanged passes with Noah Hotham, before the Crusaders hooker then threw a pass out to Will Jordan.
The full-back was stopped close to the home side’s try-line where he offloaded to the on-rushing Lio-Willie, who dotted down under the posts.
🔴⚫️ Great interplay from the Crusaders as Christian Lio-Willie dives over for the opening try against Moana Pasifika. #SuperRugbyPacific #MOAvCRU pic.twitter.com/73uRVoKUL7
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) May 19, 2023
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Fergus Burke added the extras and the Crusaders continued to dominate as the half progressed as Burke also succeeded with a penalty, before Macca Springer crossed for their second try midway through the half.
It was all Crusaders at this stage and they were rewarded with further converted tries from Jordan and Hotham which meant the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions held a comfortable 29-0 lead at half-time.
Six minutes into the second half McAlister crossed for his team’s fifth try but Moana responded with a five-pointer from Tima Fainga’anuku in the 53rd minute which was converted by Christian Lealiifano.
Despite that score, the Crusaders still held the upper-hand and they were rewarded in the 67th minute when their captain, Scott Barrett, went over for their sixth try to seal an emphatic win.
Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific
READ MORE: Super Rugby Pacific stats: Shaun Stevenson has company on try-scoring charts
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