Blues vs Crusaders | Overview Page

International - Super Rugby Pacific

Blues

Finished

Crusaders

Dalton Papali'iTRY

5 : 0

Xavi TaeleCON

7 : 0

7 : 5

10'

Preston KyleTRY

7 : 10

12'

Chay FihakiTRY

7 : 12

13'

Taha KemaraCON

7 : 17

25'

Tamaiti WilliamsTRY

7 : 20

40'

Taha KemaraPEN

40'

Quinten StrangeScott Barrett

7 : 25

41'

Chay FihakiTRY

43'

Finlay ChristieSam Nock

45'

Laghlan McWhannellYellow

45'

Noah HothamPreston Kyle

7 : 30

53'

Tom ChristieTRY

7 : 35

53'

Taha KemaraTRY

53'

George BowerTamaiti Williams

53'

Angus TaavaoMarcel Renata

53'

Harry PlummerStephen Perofeta

57'

Marcel RenataTRY

12 : 30

57'

Seb CalderFletcher Newell

57'

Jordan LayJosh Fusitua

57'

Macca SpringerDallas McLeod

58'

Harry PlummerCON

14 : 30

58'

Corey EvansCole Forbes

59'

James O'ConnorTom Christie

59'

James O'ConnorTaha Kemara

60'

Corey KellowTom Christie

14 : 35

63'

Macca SpringerTRY

14 : 37

64'

James O'ConnorCON

64'

Cook TristynLaghlan McWhannell

65'

Hoskins SotutuJames Mullan

68'

Finlay ChristieTRY

19 : 37

19 : 42

80'

Will JordanTRY

Venue Guide
Stadium	Eden Park
City	Auckland
Capacity	50000

News

Faletau injured in Cardiff's defeat by Sharks

Wales great Taulupe Faletau suffers injury as Cardiff suffer 21-15 defeat by Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.

48 minutes ago

Sharks grind out win over plucky Cardiff

The Sharks have kept their Vodacom URC playoff hopes alive with a hard-fought win over Cardiff at a hot and muggy Kings Park on Friday night. The Durban side ran in three tries – including a brace by flank Phepsi Buthelezi – to register a 21-15 victory that moves them up to 10th on the overall table. The Sharks eventually found their rhythm after a slow start, striking first in the sixth minute through Phepsi Buthelezi, who powered over from a rolling maul. Jordan Hendrikse added the extras to give the hosts an early 7-0 lead. Cardiff responded swiftly. After building pressure through multiple phases, they turned down a shot at goal in favour of a quick tap – a decision that paid off as Mason Grady finished out wide. Callum Sheedy converted to level matters. The contest then became stop-start, with handling errors creeping in due to the slippery, humid conditions. The Sharks were dealt a setback when Hendrikse was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, and Cardiff capitalised. A strong lineout platform created space for captain Liam Belcher to break, with Grady collecting a cross-kick to finish for his second. The conversion drifted wide, but the visitors edged ahead. MORE: Stormers make surprise Damian call In response, Sharks coach JP Pietersen made a bold call, introducing a new front row – including Springboks Ox Nché and Vincent Koch – and it had an immediate impact. From a dominant set-piece, Buthelezi struck again, slicing through for his second try. Scrumhalf Bradley Davids converted to restore control. Yaw Penxe with a try for the #VURC showreel ‍ He puts the Sharks ahead at half-time with a beauty Stream on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/bGrSWFk6xk — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 27, 2026 With momentum shifting, the Sharks added a third before the break. Yaw Penxe produced a moment of individual brilliance, chipping into space and regathering to score. Davids added the extras as the hosts took a 21-12 lead into half-time. After the break, both sides showed a willingness to give the ball some air despite the conditions. The Sharks will rue a series of missed chances in that third quarter. On too many occasions, enterprising play ended with a forced pass or handling error. The visitors got the only points of the second half, courtesy of a Sheedy penalty. The Sharks next travel to Ireland for their EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 clash against Connacht on Good Friday. AFRICA PICKS: URC Round 14 – Betting preview SHARKS – Tries: Phepsi Buthelezi (2), Yaw Penxe. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse, Bradley Davids (2) CARDIFF – Tries: Mason Grady (2). Conversion: Callum Sheedy. Penalty: Sheedy Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images The post Sharks grind out win over plucky Cardiff appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

3 hours ago