It was no surprise the Crusaders beat the Western Force at nib Stadium but it took the Super Rugby powerhouses until the 78th minute to find the match-winning try.
The Crusaders threatened to blow Friday’s game open in the first half with the only two tries and it could have been more had it not been for uncharacteristic ball-handling errors.
That continued all night with the Force’s pressure outstanding. The home team opened a 19-13 lead with some good kicking from Peter Grant and a 61st-minute try to Ryan Louwrens.
But the Crusaders dominated possession, territory and the set-pieces, leading to a 78th-minute converted try to Jordan Taufua that secured their fifth straight win.
It was a heartbreaking fifth successive loss for the Force ahead of a bye.
Only the poor handling by the visitors stopped the Crusaders’ lead from being greater than 13-6 at the halftime break following tries to Johnny McNicholl and Mitchell Drummond.
The Force stayed somewhat in touch with two penalties to Peter Grant and then built some momentum to start the second half.
Two penalties to Grant and a stunning try to Louwrens after a critical steal and big run from Junior Rasolea gave the home team their surprise 19-13 lead in the 61st minute.
The Crusaders dominated the last 20 minutes but continued to make uncharacteristic handling errors, most notably a fumble to McNicholl that cost him what would have been a clear try.
But eventually, the Crusaders found a way through the Force’s defence having dominated the set-pieces all night.
Taufua crossed with two minutes remaining, Richie Mo’unga converted and that was the game.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Yes, a different head coach.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Strange that a M.Foley coached team would get so badly beaten up in scrums and lineouts' Not really, he's not playing, only coaching.
Alex
Guest
They also need a coach who uses his bench before 79:30
mania
Guest
hika's under performing at the moment imo. cody and jamesParsons are ahead I reckon.
Sandgroper
Guest
Aimless kicking with no followers, no variation in attack, limited support to isolated players, basic set piece errors, where do you start. The Crusaders looked good at first but seemed to run out of puff. Force fans were let down again. It is evident that the attack coach needs replacement, the set piece coach needs replacement and some cohesion in the plays needs to happen. I fear we are in for another season of depressing close calls and committed but aimless effort. Time to get a new coaching team with some nous.
Charlie Mackay
Guest
No mate, there isn't. In RL there is. In Union, you either play the ball immediately or you're penalised. There is absolutely no mention of 'double movement' anywhere in the union law book... Very similar to 'downward pressure' argument which is also over referenced but, again, not a law.
John
Guest
Sorry read the rule book There is a thing called a double movement
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
There is no such thing as a double movement.
dirtyrottenscoundrel
Guest
These Kiwi refs are bad, so it doesn't take a degree to know our Aussies are far worse. That a$$clown tyrant Gardiner ruins every game he refs. I'd go for some high tech friggin robot over some of these guys at present, at least a bot is consistent.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
The Force may still be losing matches this year but at least I can watch them on tv without doing a crossword or Sudoku with just a lift of the head when I hear the commentator's voice rise. I only saw the last half of this match and most of the match against the Highlanders and in both they looked good. The Force need at least one more dominant back and better teamwork in attack but they have improved heaps over last year. However this game was lost in the forwards and the set piece, only M.Hodgson won his position over his 'Saders opponent. The Force (and Australia) really need a better front row and one good tall lineout specialist lock, then move S.Mafi back to flanker. Strange that a M.Foley coached team would get so badly beaten up in scrums and lineouts. The Sadies threw the ball everywhere in the last 15 minutes, knowing full well a knock-on or into touch meant they would just win the ball back anyhow. Am surprised the possession was only 56% in the Crusader's favour.
Dan Fan
Guest
But they are all so small. Sam Cane looks like a monster up against the Oz 7s. The ABs style is somewhat different and requires different skills I am thinking.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Hodgeson? Yeah he's been impressive last few games I've seen him. Oz look stronger at classy 7's than any other position. Not really sure why that is. Good tough game this one but yeah the Saders can be thankful for their set piece strengths.
Dave H
Guest
At some point in thier lives these Kiwi refs were non professional, probably at junior age club level. They made the generous decision to give freely of thier time to perform a role so that the rest of us could enjoy seeing our kids play. The same thing can be said for all the Kiwi coaches, assistant trainers, administrators and numerous other roles performed at elite level around world. Perhaps a better question would be why don't Australians figure in as large numbers?
Stu. B.
Guest
Bloody fantastic to see Australia has a true 80 minute man at no 7,able to more than hack it with the kiwi no 7 big names.Tough draw Force.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Credit to the Force for two gritty games in two consecutive weeks. The game deteriorated in the 2nd half and I nearly fell asleep by the 50th minute. I just loathe the thought of having to put up with that ref in another game this year. By the way, is there a glut of Kiwi refs in super rugby this year? Was there a double movement in that last try?
Boris
Guest
Great to see two games much tighter than we all expected, this one being the bigger surprise for me.
puff
Guest
Gee, had the Force secured more ball, from the set piece this game would have delivered a different ending, perhaps. As the Crusaders with all their experience and dominant up front toiled hard and exerted considerable pressure but failed to convert due to poor execution. Hence continued to struggle during critical periods, in both halves. Grants goal kicking is eye catching and clinical but Richie Mo’unga is wasteful and has been for some time. Although the Force was out played, they do / did display gritty determination and warrant better results. Matt Hodgson another unyielding performance, it’s a pity they don’t have a few backs with his class and commitment.
Harry Jones
Expert
Lineout problems can really destroy a good game plan.
ben
Guest
Crusaders looked tired and ready for the plane ride home in that 2nd half. Complete dominance at scrum and lineout time couldnt translate it into points. Force lineout was a joke..what a shambles, and really cost them the game. Cody Taylor stood up in a position nz rugby is shallow in depth atm. Still cant see a 3rd hooker yet although Hikawera Elliot would be my pick but seems on the outta.