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Blues winger Frank Halai scored two tries for the second week in succession as the Auckland team beat the Crusaders 34-15 in Super Rugby on Friday.
Halai scored a double on debut last weekend and crossed twice again as the Blues overran the Christchurch club by five tries to nil.
Winger George Moala and backrowers Steven Luatua and Luke Braid also scored tries for the Blues.
Flyhalf Dan Carter kicked five penalties from five attempts to provide all the points for the Crusaders.
The Blues are desperate this season to repair their reputation under a new coach and new captain, after their 12th-place finish last season.
Under coach John Kirwan and captain Ali Williams they are unbeaten in two matches and playing confident and skillful rugby.
They capitalised on centre Rene Ranger’s line-breaking ability to keep the Crusaders under steady pressure and managed to neutralise their opponents’ potent threat at the vital area of the breakdown.
“You just look at the guys defence and their desire in the second half. We had bugger-all ball but we just wanted to be out there and wanted to defend so good work,” Williams said.
The Crusaders had 10 All Blacks in their lineup but as is often the case, the internationals were below their best.
Carter, who showed an apparent lack of appetite for contact play, passed 1,400 points in Super Rugby matches but provided little else to the Crusaders who were outplayed in most areas.
The Blues ran two tries to Halai down the relatively unprotected flank marked by All Black Israel Dagg, who was moved by the Crusaders from fullback to the wing.
Halai scored his first in the 28th minute after a break by Ranger and his second only five minutes later, catching a pinpoint cross kick by flyhalf Chris Noakes.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.