Crusaders suffer record fourth straight Super Rugby defeat

Forward Justin Sangster scored a try in the final minute to give the Hurricanes a 14-10 triumph over the Crusaders on Friday and keep the Super Rugby champions winless.

The seven-time defending champion Crusaders couldn't hold out as they crashed to four straight defeats for the first time in their history, heaping more pressure on new coach Rob Penney.

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Playing their first match at home in Christchurch after opening with three losses on the road, Penney's team hit the front against the competition leaders in the 71st minute through a penalty to flyhalf Riley Hohepa.

However, the Crusaders were reduced to 14 men soon afterwards when reserve lock Jamie Hannah was shown a yellow card.

The Hurricanes swung onto the attack and Sangster powered over for his team's second try, which was converted by Brett Cameron.

Crusaders captain David Havili refused to use his team's long injury list as an excuse.

"We're trying really hard but it's just not sticking," the All Blacks midfield back said.

"We gave ourselves a chance in the contest tonight but we couldn't really finish it off.

"It's frustrating but the boys have to stick tight. We've got a young group turning up giving it a go and that's all we can ask for."

.@Hurricanesrugby make it 4/4 ??#SuperRugbyPacific #CRUvHUR pic.twitter.com/FsKS47i9DU

Regular Crusaders skipper Scott Barrett became the team's latest injury casualty when he suffered a fractured finger last weekend.

Barrett was among seven All Blacks the Crusaders had unavailable with injury this week.

The visitors, who have now won four from four, made a fast start, scoring a try through All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax to lead 7-0 at