The Crusaders have beaten the Chiefs 34-20 in a hard fought game in Hamilton and stretch their lead at the top of the Super Rugby ladder.
Despite some last second changes to the Crusaders side they were just too good for the Chiefs. The men in red and black caught the home side napping in the first few minutes and took a quick tap and go penalty close to the line with Bedwell-Curtis crashing over.
It was an early example of how the Crusaders – the masters of structure and set piece – are also aware rugby players who can spot an opportunity when others switch off.
The Crusaders definitely didn’t have the game their whole way though. In the end the possession stats were pretty much equal and the Chiefs dominated on the territory side of things. But whereas the Chiefs couldn’t turn their advantages into points the Crusaders were able to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
At the half time break there were just seven points in it with the Crusaders leading 20 – 13 and the next score was going to be crucial.
Unfortunately for the home side that score came from the Crusaders and even though the Chiefs would score themselves a few minutes later they were always chasing the game which is very tough to do against the Crusaders.
For the Chiefs Charlie Ngatai played well and is getting better and better this season. He was a constant threat and his ability to kick well and run with ball in hand kept the defence guessing.
But the best player for the Chiefs was the backrower Luke Jacobson – he picked up two tries, stole a line out from the Crusaders and was always there in support when the Chiefs were running the ball.
It was a great game for him and a shame that his efforts didn’t get the points on the competition ladder.
Unfortunately the Chiefs forwards just couldn’t compete with the Crusaders set piece and loose play. They fought hard and definitely had some periods of dominance but they were second best for far too much of the game.
Damian McKenzie was average tonight in a game when his team really needed one of those amazing performances from him. He wasn’t bad for sure, but a few errors and a lack of real threat when running with the ball just meant he couldn’t have the impact he would have wanted.
The Crusaders were solid throughout. Richie Mo’unga was accurate with the boot and he really controlled the game well for his side. He had to go off late in the game and everyone will be hoping that it was just precautionary and nothing serious.
It was a special day for the Crusaders and Wyatt Crockett as the club legend played his 200th game for the red and black. He gave away two penalties at the scrum but all will be forgiven seeing as how the team still won and he gets the benefit of the doubt on his special occasion!
The Crusaders weren’t electric by any means and the Chiefs worked hard to keep them close on the scoreboard but it did feel like the Crusaders could handle anything that was thrown at them.
With their lineout so reliable and working as a real attacking weapon they were always able to put pressure on the Chiefs and the home side didn’t find a way to stop the Christchurch men from gaining ground consistently when they had the ball.
The Crusaders are now nine points ahead on the ladder and looking unstoppable. The Chiefs have slipped back to fourth in the conference with the Highlanders’ win last night allowing them to steal third spot. The Chiefs do need to be careful as the rampaging Jags are just 3 points behind them.
Final score
Chiefs 20
Crusaders 34
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Thirty-three years after going down to Queensland in Brisbane, Warren Gatland’s Welsh side will complete their tour of Australia in July by once again…
The Brumbies have been given an early season reality check, as Stephen Larkham’s men were thumped by the Chiefs 46-12 at AAMI Park on…
The Chiefs face a worrying wait over the fitness of star No.10 Damian McKenzie, who was forced off early in the second half of…
As we finish up our list of the 50 players we think are set to make a splash in 2024, it’s important to recognise…
Super Rugby Pacific has been dominated by the Kiwis so far for a reason: incredibly strong depth. It’s the obstacle that the Australian and…
Super Rugby is set for a serious shake-up in 2024 with new coaches and players, and as the season progresses, many of the players…
