Super Rugby front-runners the Crusaders did what everyone expected tonight, beating the Rebels 41-19 in what was a very entertaining match in Melbourne.
They are a side that thrives on continuity, whether in attack with the ball, or racing up in defence, phase after phase, to pressure the opposition. And when the gaps finally appear, they have pace to burn on the outside.
There were times in tonight’s match where a fan new to the Crusaders would have sworn All Black lock Sam Whitelock was playing centre, such was his positioning, handling, running and passing skills.
But even he was shaded for man of the match by the electric fullback, David Havili, who relished the dry conditions and was a handful every time he got near the ball.
Debutant Jed Brown had a night he won’t forget, coming on for Pete Samu and grabbing a double. But really, what impresses most about the Crusaders is their team cohesion and seamless interplay between forwards and backs.
Throw in some dead-eye goal kicking from Richie Mounga and you can sense that this is a side that has every prospect of going all the way in 2017.
The home side looked to be a couple of yards slower by comparison, unable to put the same defensive pressure on, and unable to retain possession themselves for long enough when placed under pressure.
Too many times in the first half, the Rebels let themselves down with unnecessary and inaccurate kicking – a trait of too many Australian sides this year.
However, it could have got ugly in the second half and it didn’t, credit to a huge team effort and some growing confidence with the ball. Star turn was once again No.8 Amanaki Mafi, hitting it up hard into contact, and then showing great pace in the loose.
His long run and one handed pass to Marika Koroibete for a thrilling break-out try was the highlight of the night, raising a huge cheer from what was a much healthier home crowd than seen in recent weeks.
Up front, Toby Smith got through plenty of work, and his try was fully deserved. On the downside however, Sean McMahon left the field in acute pain, dislocating his wrist, and possibly fracturing it as well, late in the match.
Michael Cheika will be eagerly and nervously awaiting the outcome, but he will almost certainly be ruled out of the June test matches, after only recently recovering from a serious ankle injury.
In the end, six tries to three might not have fully reflected the Crusader’s dominance. This was clearly a match they were never ever going to lose. But credit is due the Rebels, because they certainly never looked like folding and giving the contest away, and their three tries were all richly deserved.
In summary, a great night’s entertainment at AAMI Park, with some great talent on display, and some highly entertaining running rugby.
Final score
Crusaders 41
Rebels 19
Kaizer
Roar Rookie
Gregan to Finnegan stuff
PiratesRugby
Guest
I reckon even a few of the crusaders were applauding that one.
Browny
Roar Rookie
They'd won 2 from 5 against the Crusaders going into that match... not a bad record really. 2 from 6 still isn't too bad, not sure how many of the other Australian clubs have a 33% win ratio against the 'Saders.
Browny
Roar Rookie
I think theres a way but it involves converting to 7s and takes about 4-5 years so it's probably not going to happen. I dare say Japan will probably want his involvement over the next couple of years. How good are their 6 and 8 stocks with Mafi, Tui and Leitch? 2 starting and one off the bench. All 3 are reasonable pilferers so you could possibly run all three of them and they can share the traditional 7's role. Only downside would be a lack of lineout targets in the back row.
Browny
Roar Rookie
That inside ball from Colby to Marika off the lineout.... just beautiful
AJ
Guest
Surely we can find a way to put Mafi in a gold jersey??
Unanimous
Guest
What are the five reasons?
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Of course I keep beating the drum when Steve Hansen is open for this. All the reason he stated makes sense. You think he would discuss this in public if this was not under consideration?
In Brief
Guest
Half the squad can't tackle, but they can score a try
woodart
Guest
not going to happen. you keep on beating this drum, but for about five different reasons it wont happen.
cuw
Guest
i think a lot had to do with injuries to players. havili played in centers last year Goodhue was injured in pre-season friendly and did not play again. Freuen was not in great fitness and then they had Fonotia :) also the presence of Nandolo meant, the ball went to him at every opportunity. Now without big names in the backs, they play more cohesive rugger.
cuw
Guest
the Rebels maybe RUBBISH, but i like the way they play rugger in the spirit of things. they do not engage in cynical disrupting like waratahs and also rarely do they get into unnecessary handbags. Brumbies used to be another team that used fouls to stop the others from playing, but this year Warataahs have taken over. Argies, Cheetahs and Bulls the other teams who are like that IMO. Kings and Wolves also play within the laws and do not play "dirty". if there was a points table for fairplay (like in the IPL) , am sure Rebels will be at the top end.
Scrumma
Guest
The crusader brothers are putting together a season performance that has to be admired. The last few years they've lacked penetration in the centres and the forwards probably thought they were wasting their time and effort. The first 4 weeks of the season has defined this team into a band of brothers playing for each other denying the rest of their nz franchise brothers the right to lead the tables and none of those games were a golf's term a gimme and more a finals thriller. Well done Crusaders and keep up the good work.
cuw
Guest
and BLUES will be more than pissed for the one that gotaway - one kick Francis will put over in his sleep any other day !!!
cuw
Guest
it looked as if this game was used as a practice run by the Crusaders, putting guys in differnt positions and also in plays. Seta in the centers , whitelock the ranger, two flankers with less gametime this season, Dagg return.... they are getting ready for final rounds already , resting some of the stars and giving time to others. only sour note - it looked as if Samu broke a foot.
cuw
Guest
@ Geoff Parkes how come u forgot SETA the Basketball Center :) he really played like a point guard LOL
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Hey GP and Reb I remember I read something about a clean SR sweep after round 3 already. And it has not been really close in any game since then. A clean sweep is a remarkable achievement. Just a few years ago I don't think anyone thought it would be possible even. So many things can go wrong over so many matches with ten different teams in the mix. Hansen opened the door for eligible AB's in Australian SR teams in the future in the interview with Tony V yesterday. And he saw the obvious upside for AB's. Even if the rules open for everyone, only senior AB's would come in to consideration. Example: If a player like Kieran Read can get Test footy ready with only 80 minutes of rugby in the tank, he just as well can keep his high standards even if playing for Warathas or Force. If a senior player get the nod from the AB's management, they can go over the ditch. That is sweet thing have in negotiations also, when the north comes calling. How much would players like Cruden, Luatua - and many others already in Europe - could have earned playing in Australia if they still where eligible AB's? Add extra AB's money on top of the Australian SR marque contract and it might be possible to compete with NH for a while? Living in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth with suburbs earning top dollars - that is a given, if you want Captain Read, you better up the money - has some pull on many people. It is not a bad life. The upside for Hansen is of course that he gets a deeper pool of players to select from. This SR season has proven without a doubt that every single NZ SR side has been fantastic at replacing their star players when benched or injured. The talent pool is so deep at the moment that they need to make the selection pool deeper. Senior AB's commands starting spots in every singe SR side. To let them play in Australia would open up key positions, which is crucial for future replacements. Hansen of course claimed that this just his opinion and and it "Tewie" and the Boards decision to make. But I also know what Hansen wants, he gets.
Jock Cornet
Guest
Great result for the rebels . Well done for not losing by 70, massive improvement. Geez the owner must be proud of your effort this year.
Clash
Roar Pro
Well that's all you lot know about it. A friend of a friend tells me that Mr Stiles is going to Slam his players BEFORE the game next week so that should get 'em so worried that it's pretty well a done deal that the Reds will win.
Carlos the Argie
Guest
OK, I will now. I ruined my nap time by watching the pathetic Jaguares. Shame on me!