Mataele helps the Crusaders tame the Sunwolves

Wing Manasa Mataele scored an impressive try last night as the Crusaders beat the Sunwolves 33-11 in Christchurch.

At one stage, the Crusaders led the Sunwolves 14-11.

But the Sunwolves were only able to maintain this gap until the final quarter of the match.

Tries to Ryan Crotty and Matt Todd were followed by a Sunwolves response from Michael Little.

Crotty bagged his second and winger Manasa Mataele was over soon afterwards, with both tries created by clever passes from Tim Bateman.

Reserve halfback Jack Stratton scored on debut after the hooter, sealing the Crusaders sixth win from eight.

There also appeared to be serious leg injuries to Ben Funnell and Tom Sanders, which forced both players off in the first half.

In other match results, the Chiefs beat the Reds 36-12, Bulls defeated the Rebels 28-10 and the Sharks beat the Stormers 24-17.

The Brumbies meet the Jaguares at 6.05pm today.