19 Jun 2014

Crusaders well beaten by England

1:38 pm on 19 June 2014

The Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says his side struggled with the gulf between Super Rugby and Test match level after they were beaten 38-7 by England in Christchurch on Tuesday night.

England's second string rugby side scored six tries to one and led 26-7 at half-time.

The Crusaders, who were without nine All Blacks, were unable to cope with the power of the English.

Blackadder says it took his side too long to get into the game and they appeared a bit overawed in the first quarter.

The result will give the tourists a boost ahead of the third Test in Hamilton this weekend.