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Comeback kings Crusaders and Chiefs stay perfect
By Christopher Devine
Crusaders enhanced their reputation as Super Rugby's comeback kings and maintained their 100 per cent record in 2017 with a 33-24 victory over Blues on Friday.
In their previous two games, Crusaders had overturned a 27-6 deficit to beat Highlanders before coming from 17-0 down to triumph against Queensland Reds.
And a familiar theme was repeated in Christchurch as the hosts triumphed despite having trailed 24-5 with half an hour to play.
George Moala scored two of Blues' three first-half tries, with Manasa Mataele's score the only response for Crusaders.
When Piers Francis added a 48th-minute penalty to his trio of conversions, Blues were in command, but Peter Samu, Ben Funnell and Mitch Hunt all went over in a superb fightback.
Mitchell Drummond then added a fifth Crusaders touchdown in the last minute to rub salt in the visitors' wounds.
"It'd be quite nice if we started before half-time, but a win's a win," said Crusaders skipper Sam Whitelock.
Well we did it again!! What a comeback in front of an amazing home crowd! #whatagame #CRUvBLU #wewill #crusadeon pic.twitter.com/HCnYFy5EPO
— BNZ Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) March 17, 2017
Marika Koroibete scored his first Super Rugby try in Friday's other match, but it was not enough to prevent Melbourne Rebels suffering a 27-14 defeat to Chiefs, who are also unbeaten and top the New Zealand Conference.
The eventual margin of victory flattered Chiefs, who trailed for much of the second half before late tries from Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane and Shaun Stevenson sealed victory.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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