Crusaders provide impressive example of capabilities
With just one win through nine rounds of Super Rugby Pacific, if the Crusaders are to make an unlikely run into the playoffs, it had to start last night.
And after a 39-0 battering of the Melbourne Rebels in Christchurch, Crusaders fans have been left pondering their playoff aspirations.
So they’re still a chance? If the Crusaders play like this consistently, they’re sure to shake up things.
It was a much-needed performance from the champions, particularly at the lineout, which has struggled this season. But the scrum set the tone.
In a dominant display of power, the Crusaders scrum steamrolled the Rebels, constantly driving them back and earning six penalties. The visitors replaced their entire front row after half an hour.
But there was a lot to like across the park for the hosts.
Christian Lio-Willie played a starring role at No 8 with two tries and two turnovers in a display of strength and skill before being replaced after receiving treatment to his ankle.
Sevu Reece was again a constant presence and got plenty of touches across the field before adding to his try tally with a pick-and-go from a metre out in the final 10 minutes.
Levi Aumua made his mark with some strong runs, putting Rebels firstfive Carter Gordon on a highlight reel with one of his carries, while Johnny McNicholl had some game-breaking moments at fullback.
They also welcomed back Scott Barrett and, off the bench, David Havili, who both looked like they hadn’t missed any action despite playing their first minutes in weeks.
In their final five games, the Crusaders host the Reds, Blues and Moana Pasifika, and play the Highlanders and Brumbies on the road. They are just one point outside the top eight.
The Crusaders’ performance against the Rebels, who were fourth with a 5-3 record going into this game, should be a reminder of their capabilities.
However, there are areas requiring more work. Handling errors and turnovers saw the Crusaders miss some opportunities in the first half, while at times, they looked a little uncertain attempting to exit their own territory.
They almost let the Rebels off the hook close to halftime. After dictating play for most of the first 40 minutes with only unconverted tries from LioWillie and Cullen Grace to show for it, they spent the final minutes of the half camped in their own territory. They held out but a 10-0 lead did not accurately reflect the tale of the half.
A McNicholl break leading to a second Lio-Willie try further pushed out the score before tries to Owen Franks — his first since 2010 — Reece and McNicholl saw the Crusaders put an emphatic stamp on the evening. Crusaders 39 (Christian Lio-Willie 2, Cullen Grace, Owen Franks, Sevu Reece, Johnny McNicholl tries; Rivez Reihana 3 cons, pen)