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Match Highlights: Barnstorming display from Reece helps Crusaders beat Lions

Sevu Reece crossed for two tries and set up another for Braydon Ennor as the Crusaders sent a chilling message to their Super Rugby rivals with a convincing 36-10 victory over South Africa’s Lions in Christchurch on Friday.

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Reece was a late call-up by the Crusaders after he had a contract in Ireland cancelled due to a court appearance for assaulting his girlfriend. He has taken his second chance at a professional career with both hands.

George Bridge also scored two tries within the space of two second half-minutes while Richie Mo’unga celebrated his 50th appearance and a new three-year contract with 11 points for the nine-times champions.

Ruan Combrinck scored an intercept try for the visitors, who had lost to the Crusaders in both of the last two finals and while they caused some issues at the scrum, they were rarely able to put sustained pressure on the home side.

The Crusaders moved to 39 points with the victory, 12 ahead of the Hurricanes, who have the second-best points total (27) but are fourth in the overall standings due to the conference system.

The Hurricanes host the Chiefs on Saturday.

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The Christchurch-based side initially looked to be partaking in a contested training run in the opening 10 minutes as every pass went to a team mate and every runner made ground.

Ennor’s try was set up by Reece’s perfectly timed run and pass that committed three defenders, while Mo’unga slotted an early penalty.

Despite a succession of penalties for off-side or scrum collapses, the Lions shunned shots at goal until Elton Jantjies slotted a 19th-minute penalty.

The match was a stalemate for the next 20 minutes before Reece showcased his power by sending impressive loose forward Kwagga Smith airborne to give the home side a 17-3 lead at halftime.

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Bridge then blew the game open with two tries within the space of two minutes after the break to extend the lead to 31-3 before Reece ended the scoring with a smart chip and chase.

AAP

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Nickers 30 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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