The seven-time reigning champions had lost all their first five games this season before Friday’s 3726 victory over the Chiefs.
“It’s amazing. The boys fronted up tonight,” said Crusaders captain Tom Christie. “They lifted from what we’ve shown in the past. It just shows through a little bit of adversity how we’ve stuck together. There’s a long way to go yet, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
McNicholl, who won 12 caps for Wales, the last against Italy in 2022, has been an energetic addition to the Crusaders attack after returning to Christchurch following an eight-year absence.
He scored his first try in the 12th minute after an opening try to Chay Fihaki. Emoni Narawa and George Bell scored for the Chiefs before the break but the hosts crossed again through Cullen Grace.
The Crusaders started the second half with an extraordinary try by hooker George Bell, who was put into a gap in the Chiefs’ backline with a short pass from fly-half Riley Hohepa, as the front row showed pace on an angled run to the left corner. After a try from Chiefs centre Anton Lienert-Brown, McNicholl’s second swung the match.
The league-leading Hurricanes inflicted more Kiwi misery on the Highlanders, who are yet to taste victory against a fellow New Zealand side in three years. All Blacks scrum-half Cam Roigard scored a try, set up two others and limped off injured as the Hurricanes crushed the Highlanders 47-12 to maintain their dominant start to the season.
This story is from the March 31, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 31, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
