2 Jul 2012

McCaw rues lack of discipline

11:40 am on 2 July 2012

The Hurricanes dented the Crusaders Super Rugby playoff hopes with an upset 23-22 win in Christchurch, and the captain Richie McCaw says a lack of discipline cost them at crucial moments.

The All Blacks centre Conrad Smith was the standout player on the night, scoring two tries for the Hurricanes while Crusaders first five eighth Tom Taylor kicked five penalties and converted a Zac Guildford try.

With the score at 22-17 in the second half, two Beauden Barrett penalties put the Hurricanes in the lead by one point.

The Crusaders received a penalty in the 80th minute, but flyhalf replacement Tyler Bleyendaal's kick from half way came up short.

McCaw says a lack of discipline proved costly, something they'll have to address before their crunch meeting with the competition-leading Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.