Super Rugby defending champion the Crusaders defeated the Blues 24-22 which has frustrated new coach Leon MacDonald but has left him optimistic that better things will happen this season.

The defending champs played like the dynasty they well and truly are.

Fijian winger Manasa Mataele scored two tries, while referee Nick Briant awarded two penalty tries to the Crusaders

The Blues have now lost nine straight against the back‑to‑back Super Rugby champs and 20 on the bounce against Kiwi opponents.

In other matches played last night, the Hurricanes defeated the Waratahs 20-19, Sharks defeated the Sunwolves 45-10 while the Bulls gave a 40-3 thrashing to the Stormers.

The Highlanders rallied to beat the Chiefs 30‑27 on Friday night while the Melbourne Rebels defeated the Brumbies 34‑27.

Meanwhile, the Jaguares will take on the Lions at 9.40am today. 

Looking at the overall standing, the Bulls are currently leading with 5 points, in second place by points difference are the Sharks also with 5 points, Rebels are in third place, in fourth are the Highlanders and Crusaders are in fifth place all with four points each.

Next week the Highlanders will take on the Reds at 6.55pm Friday.

On Saturday, the Sunwolves take on the Waratahs at 4.15pm, the Crusaders take on the Hurricanes 6.35pm while the Brumbies take on the Chiefs at 8.45pm.

On Sunday, the Sharks will take on the Blues at 1.05am, Stormers will take on the Lions at 3.15am and Jaguares will take on the Bulls at 9.40am.

[Source: stuff.co.nz]