Young Crusaders pair star

CHRISTCHURCH: Mitchell Hunt and Ethan Blackadder might have given a glimpse into the Crusaders’ future last night.

The young duo have impressed in their limited contributions in Super Rugby this season, and given the opportunity to start against the French Barbarians, they continued that upward trend.

Hunt showed his potential as a future firstchoice fullback in the 4226 win, as the 22yearold accounted for 22 of the Crusaders’ points.

Taking up a reserve role which has had him cover both first fiveeighth and fullback throughout the season, Hunt showed plenty of skill in his twotry performance.

Blackadder (23) has only had three matches at Super Rugby level this year but his aggressive and powerful style of play opened plenty of eyes, and he displayed that again in the No 8 jersey against the French side.

‘‘It was a pretty fun night for us,’’ Crusaders halfback Mitchell Drummond said after the match.

‘‘We had some pretty fresh faces in there and it was a good chance for some boys and it was a pretty great opportunity to come out here and play against an international team.’’

Crusaders 42 (Mitchell Hunt 2, Mitchell Drummond 2, Rameka Poihipi, Israel Dagg tries; Hunt 6 con), French Barbarians 26 (Damian Penaud 2, Julian Marchand, Judicael Cancoriet tries; JeanMarc Doussain 3 con). Halftime: 2818. — NZME