Crusaders put down big marker
The Crusaders put down another big marker in their drive for an eighth Super Rugby title when they demolished the Western Force.
The 30-7 victory in Christchurch on Friday included two penalty tries – as the Crusaders' pack, with Kieran Read back in the fold, stamped its authority on the game.
The Crusaders, in a dominant first half, took an early 6-0 lead with two Colin Slade penalties.
Then followed the only try of the half – from a scrum in the midfield Andy Ellis put in a perfectly weighted cross-field kick for Johnny McNicholl, who was brought down. The Crusaders recycled well, with Israel Dagg making the crucial break and off-load that saw Johnny McNicholl go over.
Slade added the conversion and kicked a third penalty, right on the half-time hooter, to make it 16-00 at the break.
The Force worked their way back into the game early in the second half, when Nick Cummins came off his wing for a short ball to set up their most productive raid. Dane Haylett-Petty eventually came off his wing to score the try under the posts, after spinning and worming his way through three defenders. Ebersohn added the simple conversion and at 7-16 it seemed the game was back on.
And the Force, indeed, made the Crusaders work hard.
But the game was turned on its head in the 72nd minute, when Sam Wykes was yellow-carded for repeated infringements near the Force line.
The Crusaders opted for a five-metre line-out, which was sacked illegally and the referee felt it warranted a penalty try. Slade added the extras and at 23-7 the game was over as a contest.
And that became 30-7 when the Crusaders were awarded a second penalty try right on the full-time hooter, after demolishing the Force scrum. Slade's conversion completed the comprehensive win.
Man of the match: Nick Cummins is always a threat with ball in hand, but it was on defence where he impressed most. Brynard Stander was more influential in the second half and Matt Hodgson had another good day at the office. Colin Slade again put his hand up to remind the All Black selectors of his qualities, while Kieren Read showed he has lost none of his form in the six weeks he spent on the sidelines with concussion. However, our award goes to Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg – who was truly on fire, both on attack and defence, and seems to have found his best form at a good time for the Crusaders and All Blacks.
The scorers:
For the Crusaders:
Tries: McNicholl, Penalty tries 2
Cons: Slade 3
Pens: Slade 3
For the Western Force:
Try: Haylett-Petty
Con: Ebersohn
Yellow card: Sam Wykes (Western Force, 71 – repeated infringements, in at the side of a ruck)
Teams:
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Tom Taylor, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Tim Perry.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Luke Whitelock, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Adam Whitelock, 23 Nafi Tuitavake.
Western Force: 15 Jayden Hayward, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Patrick Dellit, 12 Chris Tuatara-Morrison, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Angus Cottrell, 7 Matt Hodgson (captain), 6 Brynard Stander, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Kieran Longbottom, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Ollie Hoskins, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Ryan Hodson, 21 Justin Turner, 22 Zack Holmes, 23 Dillyn Leyds.
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Lash (New Zealand), Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
