Numbers game at Trafalgar as Crusaders thrash the Brumbies

Story by: Marc Palmano / Shuttersport - Photo by:

It was reminiscent of last weeks match as the Crusdaders gave up an early try to the visitors, this time Matt Giteau charging-down a clearing kick and going on to score, but staying in the game through Dan Carter's radar assisted boot.

The Crusaders gradually worked their way into the match and Maitlands's first try of his four-try haul, during the period before half-time when the Brumbies were down to fourteen due to Giteau's spell in the bin,  followed by a further Carter penalty saw the hosts go into the tunnel with a 19-10 lead and in firm control.

_{Sean Maitland went on to score four tries}

Given the Brumbies work-rate to stay in the game the odds of the Crusader's extending their lead in the second-spell were shortening quickly.  And so it transpired, an early second-half blitz which saw Maitland score either side of Sonny Bill Williams second Super 15 try effectively ended the Brumbies challenge.  If that wasn't hard enough for the Brumbies to swallow, Robbie Fruean pulled off the tackle of the night scampering 60 metres or so to deny Adam Ashley-Cooper just a couple of metres out. A late try by Israel Dagg brought up the half-centruy with Matt Berquist adding the extras to wrap up the 52-10 victory.

To cap things off  a good-natured after match frenzy ensued as fans were allowed on the pitch to get their stars autographs, with several players needing  a courdon of police and security staff to help them get through the wall of Crusaders fans.

Crusaders 52 (19)

Tries: Sean Maitland 4,Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Dagg
Cons: Daniel Carter 4, Matt Berquist
Pens: Daniel Carter 4

ACT Brumbies 10 (10)

Tries: Matt Giteau
Cons: Matt Giteau
Pens: Matt Giteau

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