The Crusaders season still has a pulse - albeit a very faint one. A win over their old rivals the Blues 29-27 in Christchurch has kept their slim hopes of a play-off spot a reality. So often unable to land the killer blow in 2024, the Super Rugby Pacific defending champions showed great composure to survive, with Noah Hotham scoring the decisive try.
He told Sky Sport on Saturday night they had implemented the lessons learnt from past defeats. "It means so much, we haven't put in the performances we have wanted and [are] very grateful for the loyal fans." Skipper Codie Taylor said a lunch with former Crusader legends earlier in the week inspired the performance.
"So glad we could get a result for them. It's been there, we just haven't capitalised on opportunities in past games, so it's huge for us, we knew what we were up against and the boys dug in deep, we have a wee chance." Noah Hotham (left) celebrates with Sevu Reece, Codie Taylor and Dallas McLeod after scoring a crucial try for the Crusaders, clinching a win against the Blues.
Photo: Getty Images Captain Patrick Tuipolotu said it was a hard one to swallow. "Very tough, we were confident going into that second half, especially with momentum. But it was the ill-discipline.
We spoke about that last week. So this is very disappointing for us." It is a challenging run home for the Blues, who meet the Chiefs next weekend.
"With this block of games, it was going to be tough and the Chiefs are coming off a tough loss so that .
