Barrett on song as Crusaders march to fifth successive victory

SCOTT BARRETT underlined his versatility that should make All Blacks coach Steve Hansen take notice as he produced a tireless effort at blindside flanker in the Canterbury Crusaders’ 45-17 win over the Western Force in Christchurch yesterday.

Barrett, who played four tests for the All Blacks at lock last year, scored a try and impressed with his work-rate on attack and defence in the number six jersey as the Crusaders won their fifth successive game.

Digby Ioane, Matt Todd, Luke Romano, Codie Taylor, David Havili and Ben Funnell also crossed for the home side with flyhalf Mitch Hunt slotting four conversions, while replacement Marty McKenzie added another.

Wingers Alex Newsome and Chance Peni crossed for the Force with flyhalf Jonno Lance converting both tries and adding a penalty.

The match failed to really get any flow with persistent rain in the second half and referee Rohan Hoffmann growing increasingly frustrated with both side’s scrums and issued a succession of penalties and sinbinned replacement Crusaders prop Tim Perry.

The Crusaders have had to overcome large deficits in the second half of their last three matches but on Friday they scored four tries in the first 30 minutes.

In yesterday’s other game the Waratahs scraped in 32-25 against the Rebels. – Reuters