Crusaders’ Havili makes the game look easy

For someone who doesn’t always appear to be moving fast Crusaders fullback David Havili is a hard man to bring down.

Havili skinned Highlanders No 12 Josh Ioane twice on the outside in the first half last Friday in another highly polished performance that emphasised his worth to the Crusaders.

The fullback has a languid running style and is deceptively quick, as well as producing multiple offloads and gobbling up most high balls directed his way.

He has now played in three positions in the Crusaders’ first four games and his form stacks up well with anyone.

After the Chiefs failed to turn up against the Brumbies, Havili is part of Stuff’s team of the week with a strong Crusaders flavour.

15. David Havili (Crusaders): Four good games on the bounce for the Crusaders captain in the absence of Scott Barrett. Worth his weight in gold.

14. Sevu Reece (Crusaders): Had his hands full with Highlanders left wing Jona Nareki but carried well, especially off first-phase attack.

13. Braydon Ennor (Crusaders): Collected his try by running a smart line off his halfback. An intelligent, heads-up player.

12. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders): Is adding subtle touches to his game to complement his power and strong defence.

11. George Bridge (Crusaders): Busy and productive display from a player who can also slot in at fullback.

10. Otere Black (Blues): Was far from perfect but stepped up when it mattered with a late penalty to save the Blues from a damaging loss.

9. Bryn Hall (Crusaders): Made some crucial defensive plays early in the game that kept the Highlanders out when it seemed certain they were going to score.

8. Hoskins Sotutu (Blues):

Discipline is a growing concern after his second yellow card of the season but there is so much to like in other parts of his game.

7. Tom Christie (Crusaders):

Workaholic openside tackles all day long and stayed alert to grab another Jack Goodhue offload to dash in for a nice try.

6. Tom Robinson (Blues):

Big engine was still rumbling late in the game as he charged down the left to help the Blues win their late penalty. A whisker ahead of Cullen Grace.

5. Mitchell Dunshea (Crusaders): Underrated lock who made sure the Crusaders’ lineout functioned well and was useful with the ball in hand.

4. Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues): Took responsibility at lineout time when the Blues were deep inside their own territory as part of an improved set-piece performance.

3. Michael Alaalatoa (Crusaders): Strong at the setpiece, busy on defence and a reliable source of front-foot ball during phase play. Has developed into an accomplished all-rounder.

2. Codie Taylor (Crusaders):

Ran a smart line off Bridge for his first-half try and was part of a typically strong Crusaders scrum that always had the edge.

1. Joe Moody (Crusaders):

Building into his season with an hour of solid graft and remains the country’s premier No 1.