Written off ahead of the weekend in several quarters, the Crusaders have responded with full vengeance after smashing the fourth-placed Rebels 39-0 in an ominous warning for rivals expecting to chalk up an easy win over the seven-time consecutive champions.
The Crusaders scored six tries during their rout over the Rebels, but it could easily have been more.
The Rebels were smashed in every facet of the game, particularly their scrum. It led to Rebels coach Kevin Foote replacing his entire front-row in the 31st minute.
Plenty of teams have won with 42 per cent of possession, but it was the 29 per cent of territory, which came off the back of a faltering set-piece, which killed their hopes of coming away from Christchurch with anything.
Indeed, the Rebels gave away 12 penalties to three, but most came from the scrum.
Cullen Grace celebrates with his Crusaders’ teammates during their big win over the Rebels at Apollo Projects Stadium, on April 26, 2024, in Christchurch. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Even their lineout crumbled, with the absence of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who copped a serious foot injury during their third straight win over the Highlanders earlier this month, proving telling. His weight was also missing at the scrum.
“They’re hurting and they came out and fought for everything and it showed up front,” acting captain Sam Talakai said. “They got on top and they stayed on top.”
The defeat was a massive reality check for the Rebels, who are chasing their maiden finals berth but have a daunting second-half of the season which continues next week when they take on the Blues at home.
“There are some quick fixes but at the end of the day we’ve probably got to look in the mirror,” Talakai said.
“We probably looked too far ahead. We came here and we got our pants pulled down.”
Crusaders skipper Scott Barrett, who made his comeback from a six-week injury absence, was naturally delighted with the win.
“I’m really pleased with how the boys turned up tonight,” he said.
“I guess there were some stern words throughout this week and plenty of hurt from the past few weeks, but it was pleasing to see the boys roll up and put in a performance like that.”
Taniela Tupou replaces Sam Talakai after 31 minutes during the Rebels’ disappointing loss to the Crusaders at Apollo Projects Stadium, on April 26, 2024, in Christchurch. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
At the heart of the win was the platform that props George Bower and Fletcher Newell delivered.
The duo crushed Wallabies pair Matt Gibbon and Talakai, forcing Foote to turn to his bench late in the first half.
Initially, it worked as Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese and Taniela Tupou kept the Crusaders at bay just as they looked like opening up the match.
But after somehow managing to go into half-time at 10-0, the Crusaders’ pressure continued to tell as the home side scored twice in the final 10 minutes to put some points on the scoreboard.
“The forward pack’s starting to get into their work,” Barrett said.
“At times this season, we’ve really struggled up front but the scrum went really well and even the maul. The boys are growing it’s good to see we’re learning.”
Crusaders back-rower Christian Lio-Willie was superb scoring two of the opening three tries while his loose-forward partner Cullen Grace scored the home side’s second try in the 16th minute.
In fact, such was the Crusaders’ dominance that veteran prop Owen Franks scored the home side’s fourth try. It was just his third try over 175 matches.
Sevu Reece, who set up the opening try, scored in the 72nd minute, before Johnny McNicholl, who was superb at fullback, score their final try in the 78th minute.
Few Rebels left with their stocks up, with fullback Andrew Kellaway solid and Derby Lancaster showing he can save tries as well as score them.
But it wasn’t a night for the Rebels, including Carter Gordon, who have a huge month ahead of them both on and off the field.
“Along the way we’re going to go through the ups and downs and right now we just copped a bit down, so we’ve got galvanise together and stick it at the next team,” Talakai said,
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
Rebs were in it till the scrum let them down.. Fix that and more deserved wins will come
Phantom
Roar Rookie
When the draw is to play each team once with half being home games then the comp will be more predictable. At the moment the crusaders have had the hardest draw. They could still win it if they continue to play like last night
Phantom
Roar Rookie
That is much more crusader like
John AH
Roar Rookie
True re Bell, but not yet in McAllister class as a scrummager
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Aus teams play 3 of their own teams twice. Big advantage playing weaker sides
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Could be-of course any alteration favours someone. Think of the days when Australia had three or four teams. That's a completely unfair advantage. If there are more teams in the future the numbers must be kept the same in both countries or it will be extremely unfair.
ScrumJunkie
Roar Rookie
I wish there was a don't like button
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Nothing wrong with young Bell, but both will be benched when Taylor returns
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
I’ll put $20 on it%. They will make the 8, pretty hard not to and then it is a new comp.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Yep. The Australian teams have in general improved and playing smarter rugby which is a big step forward. But it is still going to take a bit more time and I think we are about two more seasons away from being very competitive/consistent across the board. The only problems is the Kiwi teams will naturally also improve the better the Oz teams get.
John AH
Roar Rookie
Having McAllister there helped as well, top class scrummage, need that at hooked. Hopefully Saders keep the same loose forward trio. Christie doesn't offer enough
Pierre
Roar Rookie
Everyone is forgetting yo note that the Saders have had to field a second during team for all previous games, and some senior players are just starting to come back.
piru
Roar Rookie
Can they still?
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Good points muzzo I think Havilli will be fullback Mcnicholl to left wing Bower clearly won the battle against tupou as you say, massive depth in the front row at tge saders. Huge difference SB made to the lineout even bell nailed his throws. Hopefully your lad's have a cracker too
cookie
Roar Guru
Same thing year in year out. Rebels show glimpses of false hope by beating a few teams that are their own worst enemy then when they either get smashed by a proper team or choke against a hapless team.
cookie
Roar Guru
I suspect it’s whether they turn up with intent to win or sadly all too often in the case of Australian teams turn up at all.
Thom
Roar Rookie
Get back on the contiki bus they used. Pants definitely down.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Carter wasnt the problem. The game plan was the problem. Look at the other game and altho no one thought the Tahs would win they had a good go and played rugby. Aus sides need to do this far more often.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
The truth lies in the draw. Some get good draws some dont.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
NRL last week had 44-16 to Dolphins and 42-6 to Sharks. just as inconsistant.