Dan Carter became the second-highest points scorer in Super rugby, kicking 16 points as the Canterbury Crusaders beat the Waikato Chiefs 26-19 on Friday.
With the fifth of his six successful kicks at goal, Carter surpassed former Crusaders flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens’ mark of 990 points.
By the end of the game, Carter had taken his tally in 74 Super matches to 996 points, closing on Australian Stirling Mortlock’s record of 1,005.
Halfback Kahn Fotuali’i scored two tries for the crusaders, who improved to 4-1 at the start of the tournament’s fifth round while Waikato, unbeaten through the first three rounds, dropped to 3-2.
The first half was frantically paced, a succession of attacks and counter attacks after which the Crusaders led 23-16, but the second half produced only a further penalty to each team.
“It’s never easy up here,” Canterbury and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said.
“It felt like there was a fair bit of running involved and I’m proud of the way we stuck at it.”
The match began with a rapid exchange of penalties between Carter and Stephen Donald. Donald landed penalties in the first and third minutes to give the Chiefs an early 6-0 lead and Carter replied with the first of his goals in the fifth minute to trim the lead to 6-3.
Fotuali’i’s first try after eight minutes gave Canterbury a 10-6 advantage that wasn’t relinquished.
Centre Richard Kahui kept Waikato in the match with a try in the 33rd minute after strong leadup work by No.8 Colin Burke and Donald.
The second half became more physical and more tactical, dominated by the Crusaders pack and its territorial kicking. Carter finished with six goals from eight attempts and Donald with five from six for 14 points.
JF
Guest
Yeah I realise the S14 game did not involve these provinces, i just think people sometimes like to tack on the old geographical references when describing the teams. The fact that Super Rugby involves faceless franchises and not real provinces is my biggest issue with the competition. Super Rugby will never reach its potential until we have the real provinces competing in a qualification championship. However, I do like the idea of giving the city reference - this will no doubt p1ss off those outside these areas though.
Hammer
Guest
ABF - if you're a kiwi you don't need those names in respect to the S14 sides everyone knows what and who the represent. This is purely an australian push from certain sectors and it's wrong and should be corrected - the NZRFU and SAFU have a stated policy in respect to their teams and that should be respected ... I do find it interesting that you can get O'Neill to come out and moan about it as he has in the past ... yet it's his broadcasting partner that actually does the biggest job to promote nameless franchises in respect to the aussie teams ... it's foxsports who continously refer to Reds, Tahs, Force etc ...
allblackfan
Guest
The problem with using geographical names in this instance is that this S14 game did NOT involve Canterbury and Waikato (NPC teams). The Crusaders also take in Tasman (Brad Thorn) and other provinces; ditto for the Chiefs. I know you guys need a sense of geography (although I feel the S15 sides' names are clue enough) to follow the teams but this isn't the answer. How about the Christchurch Crusaders, Hamilton Chiefs, Durban Sharks, etc? Use the franchises' home base
titus
Guest
Yeah but what I want is a Heineken Cup style S14 where we don't have to worry about not insulting the likes of Hawkes Bay and Southland fans. Next year's conference set up will address that problem somewhat as well.
JF
Guest
Just shows how we all want/need geographical references!
Hammer
Guest
Sh!t has the NPC kicked off early ... what were the other results ?
adam
Guest
saders could win again this year tahs r also looking great but go the bulls
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Leonard looked bloody good. In fact so did Fotuali’i from what I saw. Some decent half back talent for the ABs. Weepu may not get a look in!