Mataele helps Crusaders secure a win over Chiefs

Fijian Born Manasa Mataele helped the Crusaders secure a 45-23 win as they overpowered the Chiefs with a late rush of tries in Christchurch.

The defending champions Super Rugby season had started with a bang especially when they added late tries to George Bridge and Mataele.

Chiefs tight-head prop Nepo Lau-lala earned his side a couple of scrum penalties in the first half, but the Crusaders were also dominant in the third quarter.

Richie Mo'unga having done well to drag down Charlie Ngatai short of the line was yellow carded for playing the ball in the ruck and despite being reduced to 14 men, the Crusaders were not flustered as they remained composed and kept the scoreboard rolling over.

Crusaders were leading 19-17 at half-time.

In other results the Brumbies made a comeback to defeat the Sunwolves 32-22 in yesterdays match while the Waratahs settled for a 34-27 win over the Stormers, the Lions overpowered the Jaguares 47-27 and the Bulls defeated the Hurricanes 21-19.

Next Saturday the Crusaders will clash with the Stormers at 6.35pm and the Sunwolves will take on the Rebels at 9pm.

And next Sunday the Sharks and the Waratahs will go head to head at 1.05am, meanwhile Bulls will face the Lions at 3.15am and the Jaguares will take on the Hurricanes at 9.40am.