WELLINGTON: Nemani Nadolo celebrated his return to the Canterbury Crusaders with a crucial try as they regained control of the Super Rugby ladder with a 26-21 victory over the Auckland Blues on Saturday.
With the competition going into recess after this weekend for the June Test window the Crusaders move to 45 points, three more than the Waikato Chiefs who were whipped 45-25 by the NSW Waratahs on Friday.
The Crusaders and Chiefs clash in Fiji when the competition resumes on July 1 in a match that could ultimately decide the regular season.
On a stormy night in Auckland, the Crusaders had difficulty breaking down a dogged Blues defence and were far from convincing in the way they eventually overcame the home side.
Fly-half Richie Mo'unga contributed considerably to the victory with 16 points from the boot, and Nadolo, back from a four-week suspension, kept the Blues scrambling with his rampaging runs down the left wing.
But despite the Crusaders having a wealth of possession they only scored two tries as the Blues defence led by Kara Pryor, in his first start, Jerome Kaino and Patrick Tuipulotu shut down a constant wave of attacks.
By making the most of their limited chances, the Blues led 15-10 at half-time but they were unable to hang on as the Crusaders eventually found an extra gear in the second half.
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