The NSW Waratahs Super Rugby finals hopes have been virtually extinguished after suffering another dose of heartbreak against their bogey side the Crusaders.
Needing a win to stay in contention, the Waratahs twice led by 12 points before losing 23-22 to the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
Replacement back Berrick Barnes had the chance to win the game, but missed with a last-minute penalty awarded after the Crusaders infringed at a scrum.
With just two games to play, NSW have fallen six points behind the Crusaders, who started the round in sixth spot.
It was an 11th straight loss to the Crusaders, who they haven’t beaten since 2004.
Producing arguably their best half of the season, the Waratahs dominated possession and territory in the first half with their high-tempo game and strong scrummaging.
They led 15-3 just before halftime and 22-10 going into the last 18 minutes after the break.
However, the Crusaders lifted after missing 21 first-half tackles and making uncharacteristic errors, scoring the last 13 points, as they wrested control of the game from the visitors up front.
“We came here with the right attitude and we were obviously one kick short,” NSW captain Dave Dennis said.
Waratahs wingers Cam Crawford and Peter Betham scored brilliant first half tries.
A sensational 17-phase move was deservedly rewarded when Crawford powered his way over.
Five-eighth Dan Carter opened the Crusaders account with a penalty, but the Waratahs retaliated with another memorable five-pointer.
Outstanding openside flanker Michael Hooper made a long range break from a lineout just inside Waratahs territory, skinning All Blacks star Israel Dagg with pace and a swerve.
He offloaded to New Zealand-born Betham, who somehow wrestled his way through four defenders to crash over the line.
The Crusaders crept back to 15-10 by halftime with a converted try to hooker Corey Flynn.
However, NSW regained a 12-point advantage when Brendan McKibbin converted after five-eighth Bernard Foley scored a try set up by an intercept near halfway from Dennis.
The Crusaders inexorably clawed their way back with Carter converting a try to flanker Matt Todd and Carter kicking two penalties as the Waratahs discipline faltered.
“Discipline probably let us down a little bit, they kicked a few penalties and got back in the game and we didn’t play much rugby in their half,” Dennis said.