Crusaders overcome Force in trial

MELBOURNE - The Crusaders proved winners both on and off the field in their Super 14 rugby trial against Australian newcomers the Western Force in Melbourne tonight.

More than 11,000 turned out to watch the pre-season trial at Olympic Park after the Crusaders announced they would base themselves in the southern capital before Australian games, hoping rugby starved Victorians would embrace the New Zealand side.

Despite it being only a trial, the turnout on a rainy Melbourne day was one regular tenants, National Rugby League side the Melbourne Storm, would have been envious of.

The Crusaders, with a host of All Blacks including skipper Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Aaron Mauger in the line-up, led 17-12 at the break and extended it to 36-19 by full-time.

But the Force, in their second hitout after losing 29-19 to new South African franchise the Cheetahs last week, were far from disgraced against the reigning champions.

They matched the Crusaders in the forwards while the backs, including Scott Staniforth, showed plenty of promise in difficult, greasy conditions.

Former NSW winger Staniforth, who returned to Australia this year after a stint with England club London Irish, showed he had lost none of his touch, claiming two first-half tries as he opened the scoring for the Force in the second minute.

Crusaders winger Steven Yates also grabbed a double before the flanker McCaw posted his side's third as he took the ball from a maul and dived across the line before halftime.

Force coach John Mitchell made seven changes at halftime, giving his Wallabies including captain Nathan Sharpe and hooker Brendan Cannon their first run of the year.

However the Crusaders reaped the early rewards in the second half, as Mauger, in his first match after a shoulder injury, charged down a Lachlan MacKay kick to score in the 44th minute.

They extended that lead through winger Scott Hamilton and Tim Taylor.

The Force's only second half points came in the 69th minute after a lineout five metres out, with prop Angus Scott scoring off a rolling maul.

Crusaders 36 (S Yates 2 R McCaw A Mauger S Hamilton T Taylor tries; D Carter 2 S Brett conv)

Western Force 19 (S Staniforth 2 A Scott tries; B James L MacKay conv) at Olympic Park, Melbourne.

Crowd: 11,557.


- AAP