Mo’unga magic sought by coach
It was 2009 and the Crusaders arrived in Canberra without several intimidating bruisers from the All Blacks machine in their midst.
The result? An 18-16 defeat to the Brumbies. Richie McCaw, Brad Thorn and Leon MacDonald never played because of injuries and Dan Carter was on sabbatical in France as the Crusaders, led by Kieran Read, were zapped at the death by the Brumbies on their home track.
A late try to Mark Gerrard, converted by Wallabies team-mate Stirling Mortlock, did the Crusaders in. Worse was to follow: it was later confirmed veteran hooker Corey Flynn had broken his arm.
Did the loss sting the young Crusaders side? Of course. However, history proves it wasn’t in vain: the Crusaders haven’t suffered a loss to the Brumbies in the intervening 13 years.
So, when the Crusaders roll into GIO Stadium for the Super Rugby Pacific game against the Brumbies tonight, they should have the upper hand – psychologically, anyway – over their rivals.
Not only have they won their last 10 games against the Australian side, the Brumbies will also be without Wallabies first fiveeighth Noah Lolesio and back rower Rob Valetini because of injury.
The danger for the Crusaders is that the Brumbies are a unit that doesn’t care much about the reputations of the New Zealand teams.
It’s not as if the Crusaders have been setting the competition on fire, either; although the Western Force were trounced 53-15 in Perth last weekend, it’s vital to keep that result in context. The Brumbies have won 10 games, the Force have emerged victorious twice.
With just three rounds left until the playoffs, the Crusaders could overtake the second-placed Brumbies if they win and set themselves up for a home quarterfinal and semi.
If ever there was a time to shift up a gear, and to get combinations to click, this is it. That starts with first five-eighth Richie Mo’unga.
While his performance against the Force was more than decent, Mo’unga, who was in the stands when the Crusaders were upset by the Waratahs in Sydney the previous weekend, still has plenty to give with his game management and individual flair.
Coach Scott Robertson’s trademark enthusiasm was at the fore when discussing Mo’unga.
‘‘We know he’s a championship No 10. He can play at the highest level,’’ said Robertson.
‘‘He’s won a lot of crunch games for us off the back of individual brilliance but also guiding us around. If he gets that boot right and puts us into corners, and puts pressure on the opposition ... Look, his game is coming along and it’s timely.’’