No one is getting past the mullet

STAT ATTACK: A strong defensive game is a key addition to any team’s arsenal when a mounting serious title challenge.

The Crusaders have flourished in this area of the game over the last few seasons and it helped lay the foundation for their successful Super Rugby campaigns in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

It is no different this year and it is there for all to see in Super Rugby Aotearoa with Scott Robertson’s side conceding just two tries so far from their two games.

The Crusaders are a hard team to break down out wide and All Black centre Jack Goodhue has played a key role in that defensive system.

According to Opta’s stats, “Jack Goodhue has made 22/22 tackles in Super Rugby Aotearoa, the most of any player who is yet to miss one after the opening three rounds”.

22 – Jack Goodhue has made 22/22 tackles in #SuperRugbyAotearoa, the most of any player who is yet to miss one after the opening three rounds. Mullet. pic.twitter.com/qDqB8qzTbz

— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) June 29, 2020

It is an impressive stat and it is evidence of Goodhue’s ability to read the play out wide.

What’s even more impressive is that Goodhue, who has started in 12 of his 13 Tests for the All Blacks, faced some big names in the midfield in the form of fellow All Blacks Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs) and Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes).

After a bye in Round One, the Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 39-25 in Wellington in Round Two before edging the Chiefs 18-13 in a wet Christchurch in Round Three.

They are currently sitting in second spot in the standings, three points behind the Blues. However, Robertson’s team do have a game in hand over the Aucklanders.

The Crusaders face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday, while the Blues have a bye.

Additional source: Opta