Crusaders a step closer to second spot
Outclassed Fijian Drua no match in chilly Christchurch
Christchurch turned on a crisp evening far removed from Fiji’s tropical climate and the Crusaders showed the Drua no warmth as their expected mismatch played to script last night.
A week on from their clinical victory in Canberra, the Crusaders celebrated their homecoming by going a long way to locking up second spot with a bonus-point win.
It wasn’t always pretty, no one could suggest the Crusaders were remotely tested and blowouts such as these do nothing for the appeal of the competition. The result, though, will be extremely valuable for Scott Robertson’s men. For now at least, the Crusaders move into outright second behind the Blues.
With the Brumbies to host the Blues tonight, and one round before the playoffs, the Crusaders will be favoured to retain second position and secure home advantage for the finals.
Despite resting seven front-line players — Richie Mo’unga, Will Jordan, David Havili, Codie Taylor, Pablo Matera, Cullen Grace and George Bower — the Crusaders had no trouble outclassing the Drua as they ran in nine tries.
In years to come, the Drua will perhaps edge closer and hopefully become more competitive against Super Rugby Pacific’s elite teams.
In their maiden season, though, they are not in the same league as the Crusaders — as this match proved.
Two weeks ago, the Hurricanes embarrassed the Drua 67-5 in Wellington. After responding to beat fellow new entrants Moana Pasifika last week, this was another major backward step for the Drua.
The Crusaders settled into their work early with left wing Leicester Fainga’anuku bagging the opening try — his 10th of the season — in the second minute.
From then on, Fainga’anuku was everywhere from the left edge and there was little let-up from the relentless Crusaders as they piled on four first-half tries to lead 28-3 at the break — Tom Christie and Sevu Reece crossing for doubles in the match.
All Blacks midfielder Jack Goodhue was among the Crusaders’ best as he continues to steadily progress his return from last year’s season-ending knee injury.
From second five-eighth or centre, Goodhue performs simple skills so effectively, he is easy to overlook at times. His ability to catch-pass under pressure, to be selfless and put others into space will be highly valued by All Blacks coach Ian Foster.
The Crusaders showcased their depth, with the inexperienced front row of Fletcher Newell, Ricky Jackson and Finlay Brewis largely dominating their duties, while lock Zach Gallagher, who is yet to play an NPC match, stood out alongside All Blacks veteran Sam Whitelock.
While the Drua brought commitment to the collisions throughout, their attempted line speed was frequently exposed and they had no answer for the Crusaders’ ball retention. The Drua’s set piece remains an ongoing concern, too.
Defensively, the Crusaders applied pressure to force mistakes and their breakdown work also gained several turnover penalties. With a try and eight conversions, Fergus Burke collected 21 points in a composed display in Mo’unga’s absence.
Replacement props Tamaiti Williams and Oli Jager added punch off the bench and the Crusaders benefitted from a late accidental head clash, ruled to be a yellow card, to score five second-half tries.
Knock off the Reds in Christchurch next Friday, and the Crusaders will be well placed for another playoff push. Crusaders 61 (Leicester Fainga’anuku, Tom Christie 2, Sam Whitelock, Sevu Reece 2, Fergus Burke, George Bridge, Braydon Ennor tries, Burke 8 cons)
Drua 3 (Teti Tela pen)
HT: 28-3
A tough night for the Super Rugby new boys continued as Moana Pasifika lost 34-22 to the Reds in Brisbane. Openside Solomone Funaki gave the visitors an early lead with his fifth-minute try but the hosts dominated most of the first half, scoring four tries for a 24-10 lead at the break.
Moana Pasifika were also first and last to score in the second half, with tries to blindside Sione Tu’ipolotu and No 8 Henry Time-Stowers.
Ill discipline was a feature of the second half, with as many yellow cards as tries — three — but despite being reduced to 13 midway through the half, the Reds closed out the match to snap a four-game losing streak against New Zealand teams.