Waratahs’ Season Hanging by a Thread in Fiery Showdown Against Crusaders at $560 Million Stadium

CHRISTCHURCH: The NSW Waratahs are facing a critical juncture in their season after a determined effort fell short against the mighty Crusaders on a landmark evening for the reigning champions.

Fifteen years on from the catastrophic earthquake that rocked the Garden City, the local rugby community has witnessed the opening of a permanent new venue.

The Crusaders powered their way to a 35-20 triumph at the $560 million One New Zealand Stadium, entertaining a crowd of 25,237 on Friday night.

The match was fiercely contested from the outset.

The home team kicked things off with a haka, while New South Wales’ ex-Crusaders, Pete Samu and Ioane Moananu, answered in kind.

Crusaders winger Dallas McLeod claimed the honour of scoring the first try at the gleaming new stadium, and later added another to his tally despite not initially being part of the starting line-up.

McLeod was promoted to the starting lineup shortly before kickoff, stepping in for Sevu Reece, who was sidelined by illness.

The crowd’s excitement peaked during a significant altercation, which saw the Waratahs’ fiery player Miles Amatosero receive a yellow card.

Despite tries from Sid Harvey and Teddy Wilson for the visitors, an upset always seemed unlikely.

Crusaders skipper David Havili was sin-binned for a high tackle on Waratahs fullback Max Jorgensen, who now faces a fitness test for next week following a head injury assessment.

The Waratahs currently sit seventh on the table with a 4-6 record and risk slipping further down the ladder as the Super Round unfolds with four more matches this weekend.

The ACT Brumbies are set to clash with the Hurricanes on Saturday, while the Queensland Reds will face the Blues.

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