MacDonald magic sinks Blues
Leon MacDonald slotted over a match-winning drop goal in the dying stages to help the Crusaders beat the Blues 15-13.
Last Updated: 16/05/09 11:56am
Leon MacDonald slotted over a match-winning drop goal in the dying stages as the Crusaders kept their play-off hopes alive with a dramatic 15-13 win over the Blues.
The full-back struck with five minutes remaining to seal a victory that takes the defending champions into third-place in the Super 14 table.
The Blues were sensing their sixth win of the campaign when Isaia Toeava dived over in the 70th minute, however MacDonald kept his cool to put the New Zealanders on the verge of a semi-final spot.
The Blues showed their intentions early on as they looked to end their disappointing campaign on a high. The Crusaders were caught off-guard and nearly conceded inside the opening minute as Jimmy Gopperth raced away.
A five-pointer in front of the posts would have been the perfect start for the Blues, but Gopperth's final pass found a Crusader and the attack fizzled out.
Dominate
MacDonald and Gopperth traded penalties as the Crusaders, who needed a bonus-point win to guarantee a play-off spot, failed to find a way through a stubborn defensive line.
A penalty from MacDonald on the stroke of half-time and a further three points shortly after the restart saw the visitors edge 9-3 ahead.
Departing Blues fly-half Gopperth replied back with a penalty of his own and moments later the home side were relieved the gap wasn't more after a try-saving tackle by Rudi Wulf on Crusaders' pivot Stephen Brett.
Crusaders continued to dominate both possession and territory and MacDonald restored their six-point advantage with his fourth successful penalty kick of the night in the 62nd minute.
The game burst into lift with 10 minutes left to play as the Blues hit the front for the first time in the match when Toeava was awarded a try by the video referee after plunging his way through a pile of bodies.
Gopperth converted to put the home team in front at Eden Park before MacDonald's late reply gave the Crusaders their seventh win from their last eight matches.
