- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
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,
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.