CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) The Crusaders relied on a dominant scrum to beat the Auckland-based Blues 28-13 in Super Rugby on Friday, leaving both teams with a win and a loss after two rounds.
Seven-time champions the Crusaders were awarded a penalty try in the first half when the Blues' scrum crumbled under persistent pressure. Dominance at set pieces gave them an overwhelming territorial advantage and they posted second-half tries to Keiran Read and Richie Mo'unga, who scored 18 points.
The Blues' only try came from winger Tevita Li.
New Blues head coach Tana Umaga is likely to face some criticism after making six changes to the lineup which beat defending champion the Highlanders in last weekend's opening round. The Crusaders started with a loss to the Chiefs.
