Crusaders get best of scrappy first half in final

Crusaders 14 Waratahs 6
HALFTIME UPDATE

Both sides claimed minor victories in the early skirmishes of tonight's Super 12 final in Christchurch, but at the break just eight points separated the Crusaders and the Waratahs at Jade Stadium.

The Crusaders probably claimed boasting rights in the forward battle, but their backline certainly lacked ideas, and the Waratahs' backs had the better of their hometown counterparts in the first forty minutes.

Scott Hamilton scored the half's only try.

Daniel Carter kicked six points for the Cantabrians. Aaron Mauger dropped a goal just before the interval, after stout Waratahs defence kept wave after wave of Crusaders attacks at bay.

For the visitors from New South Wales, Peter Hewitt landed two penalties.

The red and blacks enjoyed 65% of the possession in the first half. They also had the advantage in territory and ruck and maul statistics.

A full match report will follow, shortly after the conclusion of the match.