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Bridge hat-trick and Read double keep Crusaders perfect

By Tom Webber
Crusaders wing George Bridge is tackled against Stormers

George Bridge scored a hat-trick and New Zealand captain Kieran Read ran in two tries as Crusaders maintained their 100 per cent Super Rugby record with a 57-24 thumping of Stormers.

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Bridge crossed three times in the space of 20 minutes as part of an indomitable first-half display from Crusaders, which enabled them to take Read – making just his second appearance after a spell on the sidelines – off at the break.

After a shaky start the New Zealanders took total control, with 22-year-old Bridge exploiting huge amounts of space on the left wing to notch a first-half trio.

Read ran in twice in the space of four minutes as Crusaders took a 36-3 lead into half-time, but Cheslin Kolbe and Bjorn Basson hit back for an improved Stormers.

However, tries from Michael Alaalatoa and Richie Mo’unga – who finished the match with 20 points – put paid to the South African franchise’s hopes of a comeback and made it eight wins from eight for Scott Robertson’s side.

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ROUND 9 HIGHLIGHTS : Crusaders v Stormers

Watch the BNZ Crusaders steamroll the Stormers 57-24 in a game which saw 11 great tries.

Posted by Investec Super Rugby on Saturday, 22 April 2017

Highlanders secured a fourth successive Super Rugby victory but a 40-15 bonus-point win against Sunwolves proved flattering.

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The Dunedin-based franchise looked rusty after coming off a bye week and were pushed hard by Sunwolves, who ended up with nothing to show for a combative display.

All Black Malakai Fekitoa got Highlanders off to a great start with a fourth-minute try, but they did not add to their tally until five minutes before half-time when Liam Squire – who signed a new two-year deal this week – crossed.

Aaron Smith sent Tony Brown’s side into the break with a deceiving 21-3 lead, and Matt Faddes’ double and a score from Ben Smith put them out of sight early in the second half.

Sunwolves refused to give up and impressed in the closing stages, with Willie Britz and Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco reducing the deficit.

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ROUND 9 HIGHLIGHTS : Highlanders v Sunwolves

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ROUND 9 HIGHLIGHTS : See all the try scoring highlights as the Highlanders hit their straps against the Sunwolves in Invercargill. #HIGvSUN #SuperRugby

Posted by Investec Super Rugby on Saturday, 22 April 2017

Western Force were unable to build on their victory over Southern Kings last time out but put in a valiant display in a 16-7 loss to Chiefs.

Liam Messam and Matt Hodgson traded scores in a tight first half, but a trio of Aaron Cruden penalties in the second period proved the difference.

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Bull Shark 18 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically. I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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