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The Crusaders were once again tamed the Lions at Ellis Park as two second-half tries secured a 14-8 win in a repeat of last season’s Super Rugby final.
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Returning to the venue where they were crowned champions for an eighth time last August, the Crusaders struggled to turn their dominance into points before the break.
The Lions led 5-0 at the end of a first half plagued by penalties, Madosh Tambwe finishing a flowing move out wide to score the game’s opening try.
However, the visitors – who saw Mitchell Hunt miss an early shot at the posts – seized control of the contest by crossing twice in the space of three second-half minutes.
After Sam Whitelock barged his way over from close range, Jack Goodhue capitalised on a fine burst from team-mate Manasa Mataele to touch down.
Hunt added both conversions and while Elton Jantjies cut the gap to six with a late penalty, the Crusaders held on in the closing stages to clinch a hard-fought victory on the road.
It's been a close contest here at Ellis Park, with a 14-8 win over the @LionsRugbyCo. Next stop: Argentina! #LIOvCRU #wewill #crusadeon
— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) April 1, 2018
CRUSADERS 14 (Sam Whitelock, Jack Goodhue tries, Mitch Hunt 2 cons) LIONS 8 (Madosh Tambwe try, Elton Jantjies pen) HT 0-5
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