It was funny watching those first quarters of both games, that somehow the fortunes of both New Zealand teams could follow suit.
And the common denominator was defence, albeit for the different reasons.
The Blues big defensive problem was of their own doing; the way they kept opening up in midfield.
Stephen Brett, especially, was having all sorts of trouble with the Waratahs runners, dropping off tackles with disturbing regularity early on.
For the Crusaders, it wasn’t their own defence causing the issue, but rather the Sharks’. As many teams have learned this year, the way to shut down the Crusaders’ massive midfielders is to limit their space, and the Sharks did this superbly.
Early on, their fast, physical defence forced several errors from Sonny Bill Williams and Robbie Freuen, and for the first time this season I found myself scribbling down “Crusaders look rattled.”
While the ‘Tahs were looking pretty good with their bits-and-pieces team in Auckland, they didn’t quite look as impressive as the Sharks did at this same point.
In Nelson, the Sharks had certainly adopted that “who dares wins” mantra that Roarer Rickety Knees was pleading the Tahs to embrace during discussions last Friday. Their twin playmakers, Frenchman Frederic Michalak, and young tyro Patrick Lambie were playing with an evident flair, but it was enterprising scrumhalf Charl McLeod that impressed me. I would’ve said he’s one to watch for the future, if he wasn’t 27 already.
But in both games, and at around the same time, something clicked for the home sides (relatively speaking, in the Crusaders’ case).
For the Blues, it was the best way of nullifying Tom Carter’s early try for the Waratahs, with some slick hands sending goal-kicking winger Lachie Munro over minutes later.
From here on in, the Blues just starting ramping it up and it was evident that they lifted their intensity in defence. Keven Mealamu and Jerome Kaino were having a field day trying to out-do each other in the hitting stakes, and slowly, the Blues started turning around the possession and territory stats.
In the second half, the Blues kicked it up yet another gear, and it was noticeable at this point that Kurtley Beale wasn’t running as much for the Tahs, as they fell back into the conservative kicking game that has plagued the Waratahs for years.
Not that this was the time to be playing entertaining rugby, but neither were they going to mount any points by kicking the ball back to the opposition. The Blues were looking more and more dangerous on the counter, too, as if to rub salt into the wound.
And on the occasions the ball found touch, Anthony Boric and Ali Williams were literal standouts at lineout time.
The Waratahs’ fortunes in this department weren’t being helped by John Ulugia’s throwing either, and weekend comparisons to Michael Beer were a bit harsh on the obscure Western Australian offie, in my humble opinion.
The more the game went on, the better the Blues pack got. Their front row certainly finished on top, and by the time he was given an early rest, Williams was playing like a backyard flyhalf. With chip and grubber kicks, a try most centres would’ve been proud of, he couldn’t have finished much better if he awarded himself man-of-the-match.
Luke McAlister and Brett had well and truly reacquainted themselves by game’s end, and McAlister’s penalty goal from half way just before time was a guide of just how much confidence he was playing with.
26-13 was a fair indication of the game, in the end, and though the Blues would be concerned with how they started, their finish certainly made up for it.
Back in Nelson, it took a Sharks penalty scrum option to change the Crusaders fortune.
From the resulting ruck, the Crusaders pilfered as only they can, the ball was shovelled out through the midfield, somehow finding its way to Sean Maitland on the wing, who somehow got through the traffic and found Sonny Bill Williams back on the inside.
After an earlier Williams break was blundered by an errant Freuen pass, there was a fair degree of relief that the pass just stuck.
From there, Dan Carter punished the Sharks infringements with a regular string of penalty goals, but the real game-sealer came from stand-in Captain Kieran Read in the 50th minute.
From a Carter kick, Michalak threw a monster pass infield to Lambie, who threw his own monster pass toward the wing, only to see the ball disappear in foreign hands. Read had seen Lambie’s pass coming from a mile out (as did I, from this side of the ditch), timed his run beautifully, and intercepted the pass like he was meant to get it all along.
Ben or Owen Franks (can anyone really tell?) scored a late try to put the game beyond any doubt, and at the end a pretty decent game themselves, the Sharks would look up to see 36-8 on the scoreboard. What had started so promisingly had somehow ended up rather lopsided against them.
Of course, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that both New Zealand teams would storm home in this manner. Anyone who’s been on the receiving end of All Black comeback after All Black comeback after All Black bloody comeback would’ve known it was coming. Expected it even.
And where there’s life, there’s hope for the Kiwis.
Neither the Reds or Stormers will be underestimating either side in any situation next weekend, and likewise, it would take a brave punter to rule them out on these performances, too. As if it wasn’t already obvious, these Kiwis aren’t done just yet.
Fog
Guest
Jerry you are dead right about the 2004 Tri-Nations, but I still wouldn't put Mauger up in Spencer's class, despite the numbers.
Brett McKay
Guest
more on Charl McCleod (from Rugbyheaven, today): McLeod replaces Januarie in Springboks squad JOHANNESBURG: The Sharks scrum-half Charl McLeod has been added to the preliminary South Africa squad for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year. A key member of the Sharks team that won the Currie Cup last year, the 27-year-old Mcleod replaces Ricky Januarie, who announced his international retirement last week ahead of a move from the Stormers to French first division newcomers Lyon.
Jerry
Guest
Fog - if you're gonna argue the numbers for Spencer you simply can't leave out Mauger who has superior records at every level you mentioned. Played in more Super finals (6), won more Super finals (4), won more Tri-Nations (5) and won more Bledisloe Cups (5). Also, Carlos started most (3 out of 4 tests) of the 2004 Tri-Nations which the All Blacks didn't win.
Fog
Guest
Steve, It wasn't an observation about the style of Crusader rugby but a simple factual observation that the Crusaders have not had multiple top class All Black mid-field and outside backs. None of the backs you cite were long term top class All Blacks. Of the ones you cite Vunibaka was by far the best and he wasn't eligible for NZ. Fruean, Sonny Bill, Dagg and Maitland might break the trend I noted. When they were all on the field this year they were outstanding. Crusader backs have often been great ensemble players but not individual linebreakers in the mould of Williams, Dagg et al. Jerry, Spencer was in four super finals and his team won three of them. He was the starting first five for three Tri-Nations and and three Bledisloe series. We won all three. He had more than a little bit to do with those victories. Only Mehrtens and Carter of Southern Hemisphere first fives have done better in the Tri-Nations, the Bledisloe and Super rugby (not Larkham, not Steyn et al) and only Carter has a similar success rate. You might argue that he doesn't have a world cup to his name but neither do Carter (yet!) nor Mehrtens. If he isn't a top class All Black the bar is being set a tad too high, in my view.
Steve
Guest
I love this perception that the Crusaders play a conservative brand of football, this is the team that hold the record for most tries in a super rugby Match, season and of all time, most bonus points, = highest try scorer in a single year (Rico Gear) and 2nd highest try scorer of all time (Caleb Ralph). And as for individual players Caleb Ralph, Rico Gear, Daryl Gibson, Leon MacDonald, all have considerable AB Careers, As well Norm Berryman, was kept out by Tana but would have played in most other International teams and Marika Vunibaka scored 35 Tries in only 4 Seasons. As for Aaron Mauger he was an absolute star and was the AB's premier 2nd five during one of our most successful periods . & Leon MacDonald is in the top 10 try scorers of all time for Super Rugby. There has been some absolute class in the Crusaders Team, They have probably not had the X Factor of a Hurricanes Team. Classy backs can often be a hindrance to a team if the balance isn't right, don't forget the 1998 ABs containing such names as, Cullen, Wilson, Lomu, Little, lost 5 straight.
Jerry
Guest
It's largely academic as it's starting to just be one of those 'what is a world class player' debates with a different label. Based on your list, you're limiting it to guys who would be candidates for an all time All Black XV (although based on international achievements, Carlos Spencer is a bit of an odd man out in your list, I reckon) whereas I was thinking a player who is a first choice All Black for multiple seasons during a very strong era and World XV contender.
Brett McKay
Guest
Sydney nightlife not as hectic as Bloemfontein's, Timnaik?? I don't know why, but it's been reported more widely in recent days that it looks likely. And he'll be a good acquisition for the Tahs, if it is the case...
Fog
Guest
Let's think of some top class All Black backs from the professional era - Marshall, Cullen, Mehrtens, Wilson, Muliaina, Rokococo, Umaga, Spencer, Lomu, Carter - Not exhaustive I am sure but all would be in the top class category (and there would be categories within that) and, good All Black that he was, Mauger's name would not be included.
Brett McKay
Guest
I know what you're saying KPM, and certainly the Blues are a danger side at this time of year. Like has been the case all year, it's just a matter of which Blues turn up on the day. But I'm not so sure you can dismiss the Stormers so quickly, and I certianly wouldn't be classifying them as a "kick only" side, not the way they use de Villiers and Fourie so well in midfield and Aplon and Habana out wide. On their day, they're as dangerous a running side - especially in broken play - as any getting around. Solid pack, and their backrow is right from the top draw, too. Stormers-Crusaders would be a worthy final, this one could be the game of the year...
Damo
Guest
Maybe the Aussies are less likely to ask for dispensation?
Timnaik
Guest
hear hear Sly
Timnaik
Guest
Sarel is heading for the Waratahs? Why?
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Brett I've kind of banked it, but a secretly fear the Blues who are the kind of odd team who can reverse all expectations, but then lose easy matches: so I think this next match is a very big one for the Reds. As for the Stormers, I don't think South African teams with the kick only strategy can ever beat the top running teams under the current law interpretations (a good thing).
Nick_KIA
Guest
I also agree with Jerry. Mauger was absolutely top drawer, best 12 NZ has produced for last couple of decades for mine.
Sylvester Hyde
Guest
To be fair Reg, the two Kiwi teams have won 10 titles between them (and runners-up four times), so they obviously know a thing or two about finals.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Hey, Steve. Yours is as good an idea as any. The reason both sides started poorly had a lot to do with execution especially with the Blues' defence and their kicking game. I wonder if the fact NZ sides don't start well is the lack of accurate kicking. I've often said in the past that the strategy of keeping kicks in play has led to an inability to make touch when it's really needed.
Jerry
Guest
Don't say that, the AB's have had a fair few last second victories in recent seasons!!!
ohtani's jacket
Guest
The last second victories were a sign of a fading team. When the Wallabies first overtook the All Blacks in '98 they dished out some beatings.
Taetjo
Guest
Then what happened to that game plan in 2009?
Brett McKay
Expert
Sam, Uliugia would be right, he's been playing since Fitzpatrick was ruled out for the season, and Polata-Nau has also missed 3 games easily. But your other assumptions about qualification are correct, and there is an avenue for dispensation. The Reds wanted to get one for Caleb Ralph, and likewise the Tahs the Dan Vickerman. The Tahs got knocked on the head, not sure about the Reds. But I was wondering about Michelak too, didn't he only come in for the last round??