The South Island Classic lived up to its billing with the Crusaders pipping a spirited Highlanders outfit 25-22.
It was a heartbreaking result for the visitors who got within three points of the Crusaders for the second time this season.
All the early running was with the home side as they raced to a 12-0 lead thanks to tries from Mitchell Drummond and Seta Tamanivalu.
The Crusaders’ centres, Crotty and Goodhue, were running the show. A yellow card to Heiden Bedwell-Curtis threatened to halt their momentum but he too crossed for a try and they went in leading at the break 19-10.
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In truth, the scoreline flattered the listless Highlanders who thankfully rallied in the second period.
Two quick-fire tries to Waisake Naholo signalled a titanic momentum shift and the score favoured the visitors 19-22 for much of the half.
Malakai Fekitoa turned in a tireless performance both in attack and defence to stamp his claim for an All Blacks starting spot.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks will be sweating on Ben Smith, who left the field concussed in the second half after a heavy collision with the turf.
The fighting spirit of the Crusaders can never be overlooked, and they continued to chip away, even when the passes weren’t sticking.
A penalty goal saw them draw level and the arm wrestle came down to the final moments.
Countless patient phases in midfield followed, as the Crusaders looked to force a penalty or get close enough for a field goal.
Mitch Hunt, who missed a penalty goal moments earlier, was the man to step up, swooping around behind the ruck and thumping a field goal from 44 metres out that only just crept over the crossbar.
The decisive kick came after the siren and sent the home fans into raptures.
It was a fittingly dramatic finish to a fantastic contest.
The Highlanders can feel unlucky to lose so late in the piece, but the Crusaders’ composure and will to win came to the fore yet again.
They remain unbeaten heading into the international break. All in all, a brilliant advertisement for New Zealand rugby ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour.
cuw
Guest
in 2000s they had backs like Caleb Ralph , Leon Mcdonald Aaron Mauger Rico Gear Carter and Marshall .... and even mehterns and laulalaa in reserves. basically a test line :)
cuw
Guest
i dont think this team is as good as the one Robbie Deans has in the early 2000s. maybe if they stay together by 2019 .... coz i dont think a few boys are just that , boys. for eg. Drummond is not Khan Fotuali. Taufua is no Mose Tuiali. this team has a very good 15 but then the bench is as not strong. atm they have no 8 - taufua is energizer bunny but is a 7 (or maybe the Eddie Jones 6.5). Too bad they could not hold onto Whetu Douglas. the left wing is not settled. Bridge Mataele are good but not from the top drawer like Nandolo . then in centers the back up guys are not bad but then not the better ones going around. the pack is the strongest aspect , still they need another 7. remember Matt Todd was backing up Ritchie Mccaw that is 2 test class 7s. Read was backed up by Tuiali. Cater by guys like Blyendaal ot Tom Taylor. now that is depth a-la Barcelona :)
Shooter McGavin
Guest
Didn't think the back line play from the Crusaders was too special, apart from patches of brilliance... the kicking game was poor as were some of the long cut out passes... Surely Matt Todd is number 1 7 for the ABs?
System of a Downey Jr
Roar Rookie
Spectacular drop goal to finish the game. Crusaders have a calmness that is unmatched by other super rugby sides at present. I'm expecting the Saders to beat the British and Irish Lions. Although the ABs could do without losing two all blacks this close to the opening test. Although with Crotty out I'm expecting it to be a Leinert Brown- Fekitoa midfield combination. Highlanders should hold their head high for the intensity they brought in that second half - especially with sustained defence that was ferocious at times. The crusaders are also performing the best they have in years with so few starting all blacks - particularly in the backline. The last time they were playing this well was with names like Carter and MacCaw running around.
Fionn
Guest
The Crusaders are a very, very special team. And that was definitely the most thrilling end to a SR match this year. Back to their Golden Age? I guess we will know after only a handful more SR matches.