Hurricanes vs Crusaders: Super Rugby live blog, scores

MATCH SUMMARY The Hurricanes have derailed the Crusaders unbeaten season with a hard-fought 31-22 win in Wellington on Saturday. The first shock came prior to kick-off, with news that Beauden Barrett was ruled out for the Hurricanes. He withdrew due to illness, while Vince Aso also pulled out during the warmup. It prompted a major reshuffle for the home side, who brought Otere Black into flyhalf and Wes Goosen onto the wing. Jordie Barrett was forced into the centres and Nehe Milner-Skudder went to fullback. The last-minute changes clearly disrupted the Canes who were caught on the hop by a slick Crusaders outfit, who came into the clash as the only undefeated side in the competition. The visitors dominated early, wreaking havoc at scrum time and allowing flyhalf Richie Mo’unga to send Seta Temanivalu over for two simple tries. Down 12-0 in quick time, the Hurricanes dug deep and clung to the contest. With the help of a favourable penalty count, they got a foothold through a Jordie Barrett try. Some strong metres from Ngani Laumape got them on a roll. Barrett then ran a good angle onto Otere Black’s short ball and showed too much pace for the cover defence. The momentum ebbed and flowed, but the Crusaders gradually lost their grip on proceedings, unable to stem the tide of penalties. The second-half was all action, with quickfire tries to Julian Savea, Wes Goosen, and Vaea Fifita for the Canes, while the Crusaders only struck back through Dagg. Perhaps the biggest impact came from Barrett, however, who kicked 5 from 5, nailing several shots from the sideline. It kept the home side ahead in a frenetic second term and showed impressive composure after the pre-game musical chairs. His penalty with two minutes to go put the Hurricanes out to a crucial 9-point lead and ended the Crusaders resistance. The reward for the Hurricanes is a ticket to Canberra not Cape Town, which will be a massive relief for them. Meanwhile, the Crusaders will be bitterly disappointed. They now face the Highlanders in the first week of finals and risk losing their top spot to the Lions overnight. That last point could be a major factor if both teams make it through to the big dance. HURRICANES 31 (J. Barrett, J. Savea, Goosen, Fifita tries, J. Barrett 4 conv, 1 pen goal) CRUSADERS 22 (Temanivalu 2, Dagg tries, Mo’unga 2 conv, 1 pen goal)

Thanks mate. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Thanks for your company on the blog today. Really tough game, classic NZ derby. The match summary will be up shortly.

FULL-TIME The Hurricanes looked dead and buried early on but they fought back through some mistakes and ill-discipline by the Crusaders. A lopsided penalty count definitely helped the home side. But credit to the Hurricanes who will be wrapping Jordie Barrett's boot in cotton wool during the week. He didn't miss a kick all night. Hurricanes 31 - 22 Crusaders

FULL-TIME Pick and drive stuff in tight as the Canes wind it down. The hooter sounds and Perenara kicks into touch. Big win for the Hurricanes. Hurricanes 31 - 22 Crusaders

80' The Crusaders race back to the restart and win a penalty. They have to score immediately. George Bridge runs out of room down the left. Lineout to Hurricanes. They're safe. Hurricanes 31 - 22 Crusaders

78' PEN GOAL! Hurricanes It's drilled down the middle. Jordie Barrett is some player. Hurricanes 31 - 22 Crusaders