The Crusaders have edged out the Hurricanes in a very well contested affair in front of a sold out crowd.
The Crusaders played like a team that was eager to rise to the occasion against the reigning champions. The hosts did exactly that as they stopped the Hurricanes from firing in attack.
All Blacks superstars Barrett and Savea were kept in check by a superb Crusaders defensive line. The Hurricanes toiled hard themselves with TJ Perenara in particular trying hard.
All in all, the Crusaders will be tough to beat if they replicate that sort of intensity week in week out.
The Hurricanes lose an arm-wrestle that they will be keen to win in the last round when they host the Crusaders again in Wellington.
Overall, the Crusaders won the battle… will they win the war? They certainly can based on tonight’s performance.
Final score
Crusaders 20
Hurricanes 12
Whakaata
Guest
Absolutely no team in New Zealand would want a playoff away from home. You really should pass on some of what you are having ;-)
WEST
Roar Guru
Wasn't a try fest but with two quality teams bashing it out it was always going to be a tight game. The conditions were slow and damp. The NZ teams would probably prefer to play away from NZ grounds... As far as playing conditions go dry faster fields of SA and Australia are favouring NZ running games. Could be why NZ are doing so well away from home. Yeah sure having a home crowd is great, but if you had a choice over wet slippery conditions over dry and fast I know which one the Kiwis would prefer. So an away play off game could actually favour NZ. The Highlanders game was the exception, haven't seen such a wet game in SA. But.. Anyway the Crusaders forward pack was never going to allow the Hurricanes quick flowing ball for their deadly backs. The Crusaders are looking like they can handle any situation and come out on top. The Hurricanes will learn a lot from this game going into the rest of the comp.
taylorman
Roar Guru
And Barrett vs the Saders tight five, both poles apart. Geez Laumape's looking like a replacement for Nonu every time he plays. I'd be tempted to go with Crotty-13 and Laumape at 12. What is it with the Canes and midfielders? They keep finding them.
Whakaata
Guest
The return match in Wellington is sure going to be interesting, this was an entertaining match and I think the only difference between these two sides could be hometown advantage.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes agree, he's been solid all year. Laumape was still a threat in losing and I think the two are easily the best 12s for the ABs this year. Fekitoa and ALB to fight out the 13 role perhaps. Canes tight five were always going to be the key here. With Fatialofa and Coles out they were always going to struggle. May got a lesson and Crockett showed why he's succeeded in playing at this level more than anyone. No coincidence that Barrett's quiet game coincided with a loss, they'll need to be more adaptable on that front, though injuries don't help. Perenara was still his menacing best and a Hansen must be drooling over the eighty minutes the two will put in at test time, more so than previous years.
realist
Guest
If and when the Crusaders play the Lions......what a game that would be!
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Wow cant believe we kept them try less . Ryan crotty just locked the 12 jersey for the abs imho.