Guildford leads the way
All Blacks winger Zac Guildford led the way as the Crusaders bounced back with a 35-6 victory over the Sharks in Christchurch.
Last Updated: 28/02/10 10:06am
All Blacks winger Zac Guildford led the way as the Crusaders bounced back with a 35-6 victory over the Sharks in Christchurch.
The Crusaders suffered a shock reverse to the Reds last time out, however Guildford scored twice and set-up another as they recorded their second win of the campaign.
Guildford scored the only try of a tight first half, and then race over from an interception to finally break the Sharks' resistance after the break.
Guildford also helped put Adam Whitelock over, while the Crusaders picked up a bonus point when Quentin MacDonald scored in the final minute. All Blacks No.10 Dan Carter added 15 points from the boot.
The Crusaders' victory was built on a superb swarming defence, which gave the Sharks no time on the ball. As a result the beleaguered visitors struggled at the breakdown in the face of some aggressive counter rucking.
The home side's defence even set up the first try for Guildford as the Crusaders turned over the ball and setting up the break.
"Our defence really set the tone for us," said Crusaders captain Kieran Read.
Pressure
"There were some great hits coming from the boys.
"We talked about really stepping up in that area and we shored up inside close to the ruck and it paid off for us."
The best the Sharks could manage was two penalties from Sharks scrum-half Rory Kockott, with skipper John Smit admitting the best side had won.
"We were beaten by a better side. We couldn't get our numbers right on attack and pose any threat or build any pressure," said Smit, who has seen his side lose all three games this season.
"We need to get some numbers on the board if we want to win some games."
An extra bonus for the Crusaders came with the first appearance of the season for All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
Having been rested for the opening two games of the season, McCaw came off the bench after 51 minutes to help see the Crusaders home.
