The Crusaders have kept their hopes of defending their Super 14 rugby title alive with a 32-20 win over the Lions in Johannesburg.
The champions did all they needed to, scoring a bonus point with four tries and moving up to fourth in the standings for now, tied on 32 points with the third-placed Chiefs, who have a superior points difference.
It was two tries all and 17-15 to the Crusaders at halftime, but while the champions dominated the second half, it took them 22 minutes before they converted their territorial advantage and possession into points when lock Brad Thorn crashed over under the posts.
Opposition lock Anton van Zyl scored a third try for the Lions but the Crusaders made the game safe and secured the bonus point when replacement hooker Dan Perrin galloped over from a lineout with 13 minutes remaining.
