Crusaders, seeing is disbelieving
Do not book yourself an eye test. Yes, the seven-time defending champion Crusaders are officially in 12th and last spot on the ladder, the only winless team in the competition.
As if the 26-6 loss to the Blues at Eden Park for Rob Penney’s beleaguered outfit wasn’t bad enough, just a few hours later on Saturday night they had the salt rubbed into an already nasty wound when the Force broke their duck and stunned the Reds 40-31 in Perth to jump above the redand-blacks on the table.
And the prospect of 0-6 looms so, so large, with the Crusaders welcoming the Chiefs to town on Good Friday. Then comes a bye − surely they won’t lose that one.
Listen to any Kane Williamson interview and he’s bound to include a phrase around the importance of “adapting to conditions”.
Clearly no-one from another code was channelling their inner Black Caps great, when a highly anticipated contest at Eden
At Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North: Hurricanes 54 (Salesi Rayasi 2, Jordie Barrett 2, Brad Shields, Harry Godfrey, Du’plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara tries; Aidan Morgan 7 con) Rebels 28 (Angelo Smith, Lukas Ripley, Mason Gordon, Jordan Uelese tries; Carter Gordon 4 con). HT: 33-7
At GIO Stadium, Canberra: Brumbies 60 (Hudson Creighton 2, Tom Wright 2, Rob Valetini, Tamati Tua, Charlie Cale, Corey Toole, Lachlan Lonergan tries; Noah Lolesio 5 con, pen, Ryan Lonergan con) Moana Pasifika 21 (Kyren Taumoefolau, Lotu Inisi, Pepesana Patafilo tries; Christian Lealiifano 2 con, William Havili con). HT: 29-14
At Churchill Park, Lautoka (golden point): Fijian Drua 39 (Iosefo Masi 3, Frank Lomani, Tevita Ikanivere tries; Isaiah Armstrong-rauvla 4 con, pen, Kemu Valetini dg) Waratahs 36 (Mahe Vailanu 2, Charlie Gamble, Joey Walton, Lachlan Swinton tries; Tane Edmed 4 con, pen). HT: 26-10, FT: 36-36
At Waikato Stadium, Hamilton: Chiefs 28 (Daniel Rona, Bradley Slater, Rameka Poihipi, Cortez Ratima tries; Damian Mckenzie 4 con) Highlanders 21 (Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-kneepkens, Nikora Broughton tries; Sam Gilbert 3 con) HT: 21-0
At Eden Park, Auckland: Blues 26 (Ofa Tu’ungafasi, AJ Lam tries; Stephen Perofeta 2 con, 4 pen) Crusaders 6 (Riley Hohepa 2 pen). HT: 9-6
At HBF Park, Perth: Force 40 ( Bayley Kuenzle 2, Tom Franklin, Chase Tiatia, Nic White, Carlo Tizzano; Ben Donaldson 5 con ) Reds 31 (Tate Mcdermott 2, Matt Faessler, Fraser Mcreight, Jock Campbell tries; Tom Lynagh 2 con, Harry Mclaughlin-phillips con). HT: 28-5
Points: Hurricanes 22, Chiefs 18, Brumbies 18, Blues 17, Reds 15, Highlanders 11, Rebels 10, Fijian Drua 9, Moana Pasifika 9, Waratahs 7, Force 5, Crusaders 2 a seat for the final 15 minutes of Saturday’s game against the Highlanders in Hamilton, the hosts were cruising, up 28-7. They then had to cling on to hold out a valiant visiting side, coming away 28-21 victors.
The Canes show rolls on, with the unbeaten table-toppers treating their Palmerston North punters to a pummelling of the Rebels on Friday night.
Notwithstanding the five points bagged, the best thing about this one for coach Clark Laidlaw was that he had made 13 changes to his starting lineup, and he was still served up a feast of fine footy.