Sharks are left gasping for air
BRING ON the final.
With a statement of emphatic intent, the Crusaders underlined their title credentials last night.
It’s been steady steps this year. After losing three of their first five games, few predicted this side would be in such a dominant mood now. Turns out that was just a typically slow start.
Christchurch faithful were treated to their side’s best performance of the season. And noone would suggest the embattled southern city does not deserve something to celebrate. This fivetry rout was certainly that.
The Crusaders haven’t been to the final since 2011 – the year they were confined to the road after the devastating earthquakes and fell agonisingly short in Brisbane. It’s also been six long years since the last of their seven titles.
Given that rich history, folk in red-and-black country have been increasingly expectant. Todd Blackadder’s first championship as head coach, though, now seems very much within reach.
‘‘ We probably got far too emotional that week and it came to a bit of a head,’’ Blackadder said of the 2011 final.
‘‘ What we learned from that game, too, was that simple basics let us down under pressure.’’
From start to finish, this was a complete shutout. The Sharks never looked like scoring, only managing two penalties.
Clearly, there is no one way to overcome this Crusaders team. They take you on upfront, through the middle and out wide. They can play with pace – and flick the composure switch when it matters.
Good luck to the Australian outfit charged with stopping them.
There’s nothing subtle about the Sharks. Their game is based around big, mean men who thrive on the physical exchanges. No surprises, then, their strengths feature the rolling maul and a powerful scrum.
Well, the Crusaders weren’t intimidated. Quite the opposite, in fact. Not only did they counter those supposed strengths, their varied options had the Sharks gasping for air and clutching for any ounce of momentum.
With forwards roaming like backs, the Crusaders constantly stretched the visitors on the edge. Their attacking intent was clear, but they also found success from Israel Dagg and Any Ellis’ up-andunders, coupled with committed chases. Fijian flyer Nemani Nadolo and Kieron Fonotia led the way in this regard.
Offloading on the edges proved lethal – and it was here Kieran Read could not be contained.
The world- class No 8 has endured a frustrating season with concussion battles.
His presence is a boost to any side. At the lineout, busting tackles down the outside channels, snaffling turnovers and making metres off the back of the scrum – Read showcased his full array of skills.
Just to top it off he made the opening try seem breezy. Breaking one tackle, blitzing another with pace and then stepping the fullback to score is a movement few forwards in world rugby could pull off. Read is, indeed, a once-in-ageneration player. Savour his unique talents while you can.
But he wasn’t alone. Sharks blindside Marcell Coetzee had an engrossing battle with Richie McCaw but the All Blacks captain’s combination with Read and Matt Todd offered rare balance.
In the foreign six jersey, McCaw played with freedom and typical hunger, showing no lingering restrictions from the ribs he broke against England last month.
Overall, the Crusaders forward pack was in beast mode. In his 150th match for his beloved franchise Corey Flynn gave his guts and Sam Whitelock produced his usual A-class effort which included two steals in the lineout.
The Sharks didn’t help
them- selves. The harder they tried the worse it became. Nothing went right – not even their scrum which dismantled the Highlanders in Durban last week. First five-eighth Pat Lambie, playing his first match in two months, was one of many exhibiting an aimless kicking game.
For the most part those onedimensional tactics served the South Africans well this season. On this occasion their favoured modus operandi lacked any form of execution. That allowed the Crusaders to control all of the territory and play at a frenetic pace.
‘‘The guys were so clear and they executed the game plan – and really brought that finals pressure which probably told in the second half,’’ Blackadder added.
‘‘The first 20 minutes was frantic, wasn’t it, and as the game wore on the confidence was certainly there.’’
The Sharks don’t enjoy combating attacking rugby – it’s largely absent from their repertoire and they again couldn’t hack the speed the Crusaders adopted throughout this one-sided contest. In the end, the final whistle couldn’t come soon enough for the Sharks. Blackadder’s men, meanwhile, surge forward.