CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) The Christchurch-based Crusaders edged closer to an eighth Super Rugby title when they beat the Dunedin-based Highlanders 17-0 Saturday in a quarterfinal played in conditions which were among the worst in the tournament’s history.
The Highlanders were delayed in reaching Christchurch by a severe storm which grounded planes and cut the main road between the two South Island cities. They arrived Saturday afternoon, hours before kickoff and after Christchurch had declared a state of emergency because of widespread flooding.
The field at AMI Stadium was awash and rain continued throughout the match. The Crusaders, helped by a test-strength tight five, adapted better to those conditions, scored two first half tries and held on through a scoreless second half.