Source: Radio New Zealand
Codie Taylor crosses for his fourth try for the Crusaders against the Fijian Drua. photosport
Hooker Codie Taylor bagged four of the Crusaders’ 11 tries as they farewelled their Addington stadium venue with an emotional and resounding 69-26 defeat of Fijian Drua.
Taylor was the star in his 150th appearance as the Super Rugby Pacific powerhouses notched a 100th win at the stadium that was hastily erected in 2012 in the wake of the previous year’s devastating earthquake.
Fourteen seasons later and the Crusaders drew the curtain down on an unfashionable venue which was their home base during a period of outstanding success. They secured eighth titles – seven of them overseen during Scott Robertson’s dynasty as coach.
The team will now move to the newly-finished Te Kaha Stadium later this month on a high, unfurling a brilliant brand of rugby to see off the outmatched Drua.
They scored five tries in the first 31 minutes to essentially seal the outcome, with Taylor crossing twice from lineout drives and wing Sevu Reece bagging an early double.
Fellow-wing Chay Fihaki also finished the match with a brace while first-five Taha Kemara slotted seven conversions.
Taylor doubled his tally to four tries early in the second half – extending his career record to 53, the most by any forward in Super Rugby.
The All Blacks veteran was replaced to a rousing reception shortly afterwards.
For the Fijian visitors, powerful No.8 Elia Canakaivata bagged a double as they produced a more competitive display in the second half.
It was a third straight win for the Crusaders, whose 4-3 record lifts them to fourth on the standings ahead of matches across the Tasman against the Reds and Force.
Follow how the game unfolded below.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
