The Crusaders made it three from three in their pre-season results, beating the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI stadium on Saturday night.

The Crusaders entered the game as favourites, given their second placing in last year’s Super Rugby tournament versus the Rebels’ last placing.  However it was a tightly fought match which had the Crusaders trailing by seven points at half time. 

Crusaders wing Israel Dagg put the first points on the board with a try in the 16^th minute.  First-five Tyler Bleyendaal converted to give the Crusaders a 7-0 lead.

The Rebels responded with their own converted try by No 8 Gareth Delve to even up the scores.  Another try scored and converted by Rebels star player James O’Connor shortly afterwards gave the Rebels a 14-7 lead at the end of the first half.

The Crusaders dominated the second half however, and some handy team work by Bleyendaal and Dagg a minute after half time lead to Dagg’s second try of the match.  Centre Adam Whitelock touched down in the 48^th minute to secure the win.

Rebels 14 (Gareth Delve, James O’Connor tries; O’Connor con 2)

Crusaders 19 (Israel Dagg 2, Adam Whitelock tries; Tyler Bleyendaal con 2)

HT: 14-7