The Sunday News
Hamilton — A Sonny Bill Williams-inspired Waikato Chiefs demolished New Zealand rivals the Canterbury Crusaders 40-16 last Friday to maintain their perfect start to the Super 15 season. The Chiefs ran in five tries to one, with Williams scoring one and setting up two more as the North Island side made it three wins from three.
It was the Chiefs’ biggest ever win over the seven-time champions, confirming they are back to their best after winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.
The Crusaders, finalists last year, struggled to cope with Waikato’s combination of speed and physicality, falling to their second defeat in three starts.
They were missing All Blacks Dan Carter, Israel Dagg and Owen Franks.
But they still fielded a strong side and coach Todd Blackadder will be looking for answers as his team licks its wounds during a bye next week.
Code-hopper Williams had a outstanding game for the Chiefs, including an intercept, a one-handed try and several pinpoint-accurate passes. — Sport 24
