Crusaders optimistic after Blues match

Crusaders captain Kieran Read said that their 29‑15 Super Rugby victory over the Blues could be the start of their turnaround.

The Crusaders recovered from two losses ‑ at home ‑ against New Zealand Conference rivals by beating the Blues in Christchurch.

The Christchurch side's bonus point victory moved them up in the standings from 10th to 9th and the gap between them and the play off places is just three points.

In other match the Waratahs held on to beat the Melbourne Rebels 18‑16 last night.

The Waratahs outscored the Rebels by three tries to one but Bernard Foley had an off night with his boot for the Waratahs while Jack Debreczeni of the Rebels kept the visitors in the match before their late comeback.

The Waratahs victory is their fourth straight victory over the Rebels and takes them to a record of played nine matches and won six this season.

The Lions thumped the Cheetahs 34-29 and the Stormers beat the Bulls 15-13.

In today’s match, the Reds take on the Hurricanes at 6.05pm.