The Crusaders scraped a 14-13 win over the Stormers in Christchurch to post their first win of the Super Rugby season and maintain a proud 13-year record.
A penalty to five-eighth Tom Taylor gave the Crusaders a hard-fought and relieving victory after they had trailed 13-6 going into the final 10 minutes.
The win was their 33rd in a row on home soil against South African teams since 2001. It also maintained a perfect nine-from-nine record at home against the Stormers.
However, this was among the toughest challenges they had faced, as the visitors effectively absorbed everything the Crusaders threw at them with staunch defence while also launching some effective counter strikes.
Each team scored one try after the scores were locked 3-3 at halftime following penalties to Taylor and Stormers counterpart Demetri Catrakilis.
A second Stormers penalty put them in front before inside centre Damian de Allende scored a blistering try from 60m out after a break and chip ahead from midfield partner Jean de Villiers.
The Crusaders, who had lacked potency in attack for much of the game, found another gear to score through debut replacement centre Kieron Fonotia in the 71st minute.
Taylor missed the wide conversion but his third penalty and some desperate late defence proved enough.
The seven-time champion Crusaders are still struggling for their best, having opened their season with losses to the Chiefs, 18-10, and Blues, 35-24.
They had an effective scrum but an unusually loose lineout and were again guilty of drifting sideways in attack and some poor handling.
The Stormers were highly effective at slowing down ruck ball or turning it over and were unlucky not to secure a second successive win after beating the visiting Hurricanes 19-18 last weekend.
Suzy Poison
Guest
In fairness, the Oz conference, does look a lot stronger this year. I think they are all pretty even, but I have always noted the Australian teams come out of the blocks firing, and then the Saffa teams do well in the middle of the comp, before the Kiwi teams finish the best. I am not sure why that is, I think it's because of the hangover of the Currie Cup and NPC, then also the Kiwi's have by far the most depth. So the Kiwis handle the inevitable injury list better than the other two nations.
ozinsa
Guest
The Bulls will need to play like they did this weekend and not in the earlier rounds or they're in trouble. Frankly I think they lack quality in depth and won't make it through.
ozinsa
Guest
I noticed it last year too. Lots of lateral play. If you're playing against unfit teams you might break them down by never dropping the ball but if it isn't working against an SA team after the cross-continental commute then it's unlikely to work very much at all. It's a stupid thing to say given history but I foresee a tough year (by their standards) for the Crusaders. Maybe miss the finals?
felix
Guest
Peter I just read that and it confirms 1 thing,you are a clueless rugby analyst.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
The Chiefs are defending well, i honestly don't think they are playing that good at all. Stats say they are terrible. They just have a few moments of brilliance to get them home on the back of ruthless defence.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
They really should name a burger after him, one with 5 meat patties. "The Schalk" I'd buy one....or two.
Kiwi Rugby/Rugby League Fan
Guest
Lol !! Hopefully the ones Aussie sign are alot better than him mate .
Old Bugger
Guest
You know what?? If it wasn't for some staunch defence, then IMO, the Crusaders should've put this game away a lot earlier then the 74th minute. The Crusaders pack in all aspects bar their lineout and the Stormers driving maul, had the possession stakes covered but their backline, doesn't have the sting. Surely someone in that squad can straighten their attack, but who is it cos Lee Lo aint the one?? Sort out the lineout woes or give the hookers some throw in lessons. Possession is the key and they know they can dominate this part of the game - they just need a backline who can use that possession to their advantage. I really pity those teams who have yet to meet these blokes on the field. Any team with a starring backline will face 2 questions against the Crusaders - how to secure its own possession and how to defend if they dont??
Rebels without a cause
Guest
What, like Benji Marshall????
Buzzard
Guest
What a croc of s$#t James. Post something descent boy.
richard
Guest
Take out all the imports,and then come back to me about the strong Aussie conference.
richard
Guest
People like Burger are a rarity these days,that's for sure.Mental toughness allied to a big heart.All power to him.
Billy Bob
Guest
Deflate the 'Tahs bubble to nothing' is an extreme prediction Felix, but you may be correct, and if so, the Tahs may get a valuable lesson to take to South Africa. No harm done.
PeterK
Guest
felix - Can't you read? or is comprehension your problem. Obviously deductive reasoning is not a strong point. I clearly stated I rated NZ strongest, since I also stated SA weakest then deductive reasoning means oz 2nd.
TAH MAN
Guest
Yeah,but the chiefs should now be equal 7th with the Lions, not 3rd..Ripped off ....Get rid of the conferance system, its unfair on the strong Aussie conferance ..AAAAAAARGH
James
Guest
Tahs never has a bubble to begin with. just a bowl of empty promises
James
Guest
Tahs have had a chance to play dud teams like the Rebels and Force twice in each season for the past 3 season and still the tahs couldnt make the playoffs. I suppose Australia now has 3 dud teams. Australia only deserves 2 teams by this, oh scatch that, those 2 teams were only able to make the playoffs due to the weak aussie conference where quality nz and sa sides were eliminating each other from scoring bonus point wins Come back and brag when the tahs have actually won a title.... Tah season are always been the same Hype-boom-bust-excuse-whinge.
SAVAGE
Guest
Spot on.
SAVAGE
Guest
Week 3/4? People already making grand statements. Look forward to the first week of the finals, then this discussion will be relevant.
felix
Guest
We'll have to wait and see but I'll stick to my prediction,kick it so Folau has to kick back,Mogg musnt let him get close to the gainline . . . . ;-)