The Crusaders have put their Super Rugby Pacific rivals on notice with a ruthless win over the Fijian Drua to strengthen their hold on second place.
The 61-3 win at Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium on Friday went as forecast, their nine unanswered tries against the newcomers a handy margin boost as they fight with the Brumbies for second spot.
The sides began the penultimate round equal on points, the 9-3 Crusaders with one less victory but boasting seven valuable bonus points and victory over the Brumbies last weekend.
The Brumbies must now beat the first-placed Blues in Canberra on Sunday to keep pace, with a loss all but confirming a third-place finish.
That would set up a quarter-final against the sixth-placed team, which will be either NSW Waratahs, who are sixth on 33 points or the Queensland Reds who are seventh on 31.
“Since the Waratahs game (that they lost) and even the Blues we’ve dug deep, looked at ourselves, our game and started to build on the foundation of Crusaders rugby,” captain Scott Barrett said.
“You never forget those sorts of games. The Force, we bounced back and had a challenge last week against the Brumbies and tonight was much tougher than the scoreline suggests.”
The Drua managed to link phases together with relative comfort, but couldn’t make inroads against the well-drilled host’s defence.
And their turnovers were punished, the Crusaders cruising with four first-half tries including a competition-high 10th for Leicester Fainga’anuku in the second minute.
Flanker Tom Christie and Fijian-born All Blacks star Sevu Reece bagged doubles while Fergus Burke, at No.10 in place of the rested Richie Mo’unga, scored a try and kicked all but one conversion.
The Drua, based predominantly in northern NSW in their debut season, finish a campaign next weekend that’s yielded two wins against the Chiefs while the Crusaders host the Reds.
“Definitely not our night, but the main thing is to learn from this against a champion side like the Crusaders,” Drua captain Nemani Nagusa said.
“You miss a couple of opportunities and you pay for that. But we’ll finish off against the Chiefs and come back stronger next year.”
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Thats why the Ah Kuoi interview was so popular. No BS just a bloke being himself. But had he made a wrong comment he would have been hammered too.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Good point. I’m making too much of it, you’re right
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I’d prefer an honest answer. When you lose, give credit to the opposition. If you win a close game, acknowledge your opponent. If it’s a slaughter don’t pretend it was anything else, simply praise your own team. I know players worry about appearing arrogant and I get that but BS-ing isn’t the answer
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Only the bit about much tougher. I’m not remotely offended btw. It just sounds silly. Nobody listening things it was tough. It was a game of rugby so there will be a few blokes carrying bumps and bruises but they didn’t struggle at any point and the result wasn’t in doubt after 15 minutes, so not remotely tough. How about, we played really well tonight putting a lot of points on a good team?
CUW
Roar Rookie
contrasting reffing too - in two matches. Crusaders attacking on left flank - LF passes to crusaders 7 - which is slapped down by Drua 14. the touchie is mere meter away from the action and lets it go - ref calls a knock on - no intervention from TMO either. anyone watching again will see that the Crusaders 7 was just 4 meters from try line and there are no defenders. result - scrum to Crusaders off which they score on right flank. then in red match - slap down by Moana 9 at a scrum - inside Reds 22. result yellow card to Moana 9 - ref says clear line break opportunity !!!! then in the last play - Moana 8 Stowers went out right in front of touchie but was not flagged - the move ended with Moana scoring a try - by 8 !!! how ironic. saw a similar try being disallowed due to player stepping out - was it Drua match ? maybe in this case there were more than two phases before score. my issue is there is no consistency in decisions and the touchies are hopeless !!! :laughing: :laughing:
WEST
Roar Guru
Yeah.. I’m not sure if many would agree. But I’d love to see a big crowd at Eden park, Blues vs Crusader’s final.. Blues winning :shocked:
Jacko
Roar Rookie
“Since the Waratahs game (that they lost) and even the Blues we’ve dug deep, looked at ourselves, our game and started to build on the foundation of Crusaders rugby,” captain Scott Barrett said. “You never forget those sorts of games. The Force, we bounced back and had a challenge last week against the Brumbies and tonight was much tougher than the scoreline suggests.” How is any of this dishonest.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
“Since the Waratahs game (that they lost) and even the Blues we’ve dug deep, looked at ourselves, our game and started to build on the foundation of Crusaders rugby,” captain Scott Barrett said. “You never forget those sorts of games. The Force, we bounced back and had a challenge last week against the Brumbies and tonight was much tougher than the scoreline suggests.” Which part are you so offended by Ozinsa?
Grant Pedlar
Guest
You obviously didn't watch the game to be making such an ill considered comment.
Wigeye
Guest
always going to happen
winston
Roar Rookie
Did you watch the game?
winston
Roar Rookie
Crusaders hitting form coming into the finals. Like death and taxes
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
I agree with Barrett. Some big hits out there and while there were lots of lapses that saw the Crusaders make the most of the opportunities - as a good team does, there was also some tough plays. Barrett showing class and respect with his comments
JamesD
Guest
Putting aside the graciousness. Barrett had just spent 80 mins getting whacked by big Fijian boys, I would suggest that might not be as easy as us fans sitting on the sofa would make out. So it is quite possible that he actually meant it.
Ben
Guest
Seems kiwi captains cant win on here. When the Saders lost to the Tahs he was labelled an ungracious loser on here. Then when he gives credit in victory hes a bu[[$hi+ artist... Who cares what they say post match?
Andy J
Roar Rookie
So what should he have said??
Andy J
Roar Rookie
Well said, he’s been polite and respectful, what else could he say?
James584
Roar Rookie
It’s quite easy to be gracious without making a patronising comment like that.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
There must be somewhere between that represents an honest appraisal
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Sorry, I don’t agree. They hammered the opposition and pretending otherwise is a joke