Waratahs prove too strong for Crusaders

THE Crusaders suffered back-to-back defeats to begin their title defence after the impressive Waratahs secured a stunning 37-24 upset victory.

- BEN JAYCOCK

All six games in Round 2 were played at AAMI Park in Melbourne as part of the 'Super Round', Darren Coleman thrilled his side could inflict the Crusaders' biggest defeat outside of New Zealand since 2016.

was "I'm really happy for the boys," Coleman said. "We didn't trial well in preseason and then we were well-beaten last week. It's the beauty of sport, isn't it? No-one backed us to even go close tonight, so that's what I enjoyed about it.

"The boys care. Sometimes we're not good, but we work hard. We hadn't got the fruits of our labour until tonight really."

Backed by a formidable scrummaging performance by Wallaby prop Angus Bell, the New South Wales franchise scored four tries though Hugh Sinclair, Harry Wilson, Triston Reilly and Jake Gordon.

The five-time champions Crusaders, who are missing a host of stars taking a sabbatical in Japan, looked toothless without playmaker Richie Mo’unga as new No.10 Rivez Reihana was off the pace on a miserable night for the Christchurch side.

Macca Springer, Sevu Reece (2) and Christian Lio-Willie touched down for the Kiwis, but their Super Rugby dynasty looks to be threatened more than ever this term.