Chiefs five-eighth Aaron Cruden couldn’t explain his mixed night with goal kicking, but he was glad to see a late conversion and penalty sail through the posts to seal a tense come-from-behind 27-22 win over the Brumbies.
While Brumbies goal kicker Christian Lealiifano did not miss all game and got a solo intercept try to score all his side’s points Cruden managed just six from nine but it was enough to secure the Chiefs back-to-back Super Rugby titles.
The All Black pivot missed an easy penalty in the 18th minute before landing three in succession to get the Chiefs back on level terms.
Another wayward penalty in the second half and a failure to convert Liam Messam’s 64th minute try left the Chiefs trailing 22-17 with 12 minutes to go.
But Cruden didn’t shirk the kicking responsibility when Robbie Robinson’s five-pointer tied the scores and that conversion, plus a final penalty, completed the comeback.
“It’s been a tricky old season to be fair,” said Cruden of his goal-kicking. “I was just stoked to see the last couple go through the posts.
“As a kicker you just have to try and kick your way through the bad times and hopefully a few go through the posts which the last couple did.”
Cruden hailed the character of the team to fight back after being put under huge pressure by the Brumbies for three-quarters of the match.
“The Brumbies really tested us in the first 60 minutes and we had our backs against the wall,” he said.
“But as a good Chiefs team does, we came out fighting and were able to get home in the end.
“It’s massive (getting successive titles). It’s a goal we set right at the start of the year. To come through the journey that we have and succeed in achieving that goal is pretty satisfying.”
richard
Guest
Has he.Well,here's hoping he can maintain it.Because this is an area where Carter's game has deterioated in recent years.Along with his running game,as he is getting older. And as I have no faith in Cruden's goalkicking in pressure matches,I will still expect Carter to be the starting five-eigth for the opening Bledisloe on August 17.
Matt
Guest
As a comparison between the two 10's, I was surprised at how little Toomua was mentioned in the commentary in the final. Was it the Brumbies tactics (ie more foward hit-ups, less attack out wide), or was it more that Lealiifano did most of the backline organising? Cruden played pretty well, apart from missing those 3 shots at goal. If he'd nailed one or two of those then it would have been an excellent performance in a high intensity match. It does seem like he's struggled to adjust between the Gilbert and Adidas balls through the June test window and isn't really striking it cleanly. No doubt the AB's coaches will be adding some training 'work-ons' to his schedule to remedy this.
colvin
Guest
Cruden's tackle on Rathbone saved the match (and championship) for the Chiefs.
Nick Cross
Guest
? Carter has been kicking at above 90% this season.
richard
Guest
I thought Leilafano played quite well.For me,the likes of Jesse Mogg are relied upon too much in backing your five-eighth in directing the play.You certainly can't rely on Speight or Kudraini,as neither has a kicking game. I'll ask you,of the five-eighth options Australia has available,who would you go for? Because I don't think Cooper is your long-term solution.Maybe Toomua perhaps?
vicco
Guest
did Brumbies have a 10 on the field?...
richard
Guest
Agreed.Actually,the same could be said of Carter. It's why I am relieved that Cooper is in ahead of Leilafano.Leilafano's goal kicking and general five-eighth play is the best in Aussie IMO.
Justin3
Guest
70% for the year suggests he needs work on his goal kicking. His technique clearly shows it too.
Bazza Allblack Supporter
Roar Rookie
It makes a real difference when the kicker is having n off night, can effectively unwind the rest of the teams good work. An excellent kicker is critical these days. In all aspects, mis kicks during play really let the brumbies down also.