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Comeback kings Crusaders defy injuries to prevail, Highlanders also win at a cost
By Christopher Devine
Crusaders defied a host of injury setbacks to pull off another magnificent comeback and maintain their 100 per cent start to the Super Rugby season with a thrilling 22-20 victory over Queensland Reds.
Scott Roberston's men came from 21 points down to beat Highlanders last weekend and were again forced to rally from behind on Saturday after conceding the first 17 points.
To make matters worse, Crusaders saw All Blacks Israel Dagg and Seta Tamanivalu leave the field with injuries early on, along with Peter Samu.
Yet the visitors to Suncorp Stadium were nevertheless able to strike back, Bryn Hall's second-half brace reducing the deficit to a solitary point before Mitch Hunt kicked a match-winning penalty after the hooter. Hall's second try also came with Jordan Taufua in the sin bin for throwing a punch, albeit one that barely connected.
Crusaders skipper Sam Whitelock said: "We had some injuries, but the guys who came on really gave us something. I'm just really proud."
James Slipper, captain of the beaten Reds, added: "It's pretty gutting. We came here to win and put ourselves in a position to do that, but this Crusaders team, they proved it last week, they don't give up."
That was one heck of a nail biter! Come along next week when we are back at home v @BluesRugbyTeam for another exciting chapter! #REDvCRU pic.twitter.com/QYz6Tse1Rt
— BNZ Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) March 11, 2017
Highlanders were also forced to overcome the loss of two New Zealand internationals as they claimed a first win of the season, edging out Blues 16-12 with Malakai Fekitoa scoring the only try.
Waisake Naholo and Lima Sopoaga each came off with hamstring injuries, to the despair of coach Tony Brown.
Brown was quoted by stuff.co.nz as saying: "It doesn't look good. It looks like Lima will be out for a while; Waisake probably the same. Hamstrings don't come right overnight so those guys are going to be tough to replace."
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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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