Mo’unga drives Rolls Royce
Richie Mo’unga certainly knows how to gun the engine of this Rolls Royce.
After the Crusaders first fiveeighth’s performance in the 37-18 win over the Lions in the Super Rugby final, you would have been hardpressed to find anyone who would have refused to give Mo’unga the keys to this champion team.
Mo’unga was named man-of-thematch in Christchurch on Saturday night, just reward for a piloting the Crusaders machine around AMI Stadium.
The young All Black called all the right plays, succeeded with all seven kicks at goal, and made a searing break that eventually resulted in David Havili scoring their second try.
‘‘He beat about 20 defenders, he kicked the majority of his goals, he was tough on defence, and he was behind a Rolls Royce pack,’’ Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said.
Robertson’s cheeky reference to the luxury car comes in the wake of a statement made by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen prior to the final.
Hansen said it was easier for a playmaker to prosper behind a powerful ‘‘Rolls Royce’’ pack, while Beauden Barrett, who is expected to retain top ranking in the All Blacks for the test against the Wallabies, in Sydney on August 18, had been forced to battle behind a beaten Hurricanes unit, when they lost their semifinal in Christchurch.
Robertson said it was also important to recognise that Mo’unga is a No 10 who is prepared to get his shorts dirty, and risk injury doing the tough stuff.
‘‘What I like about Richie is that he is brave on defence. That is the biggest part of his game. He was probably one of the best touch players in New Zealand, so he had great feet and great hands, and could kick clutch penalties and conversions.
‘‘Now he is brave on D, you have to have the whole skill-set to play test rugby, and he showed he could do that at the highest level in a final of a
‘‘You have to have the whole skill-set to play test rugby and he showed he could do that at the highest level.’’ Scott Robertson, Crusaders coach, on Richie Mo’unga
championship.’’ Playing into the breeze in the first half meant the Crusaders, when they could finally get their hands on the ball, tried to hold possession. Starved of the pill, and with the Lions driving them deep into their own half, they had to defend like crazed men to keep the South Africans from making line-breaks.
Since winning the title against the Lions in Johannesburg last year, Mo’unga has continued to master the art of remaining calm in stressful situations, and has recognised the need to contribute more as a leader.
Assistance from backs’ coaches Brad Mooar and Ronan O’Gara has also propelled his game to a higher
level: ‘‘Brad Mooar is a big helper, and I’d say he’s been the biggest part to my preparation, along with Ronan O’Gara,’’ Mo’unga said.
‘‘Brad and I meet up a lot during the week, and he rides a lot of the ups and downs that I ride, because he knows what I go through. He knows the amount of work we put in throughout the week to nail Saturday.
‘‘I’ve gained a lot of mental toughness. I know if I get those things right then on Saturday I can go out and perform.’’