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Crusaders survive the storm, Chiefs inflict more misery on Reds
By Alex Fisher
Torrential rain in Christchurch could not stop the Crusaders moving top of the New Zealand Conference with a 33-11 victory over the winless Sunwolves.
In difficult conditions there were errors aplenty from both sides, but the Crusaders had enough quality to see off a valiant effort from the Japanese visitors.
A double from Ryan Crotty - his first coming in the opening minute - plus scores from Matt Todd, Manasa Mataele and Jack Stratton set up the hosts' win.
The Sunwolves did get on the board before the break through Michael Little, but defensively they were unable to keep Crusaders at bay as they slipped to an eighth loss of the Super Rugby campaign.
"It made it slippery, especially when the hail came down, and it probably took us too long to adjust," said Todd.
"They made us work for every point we got. We had to defend our line at times, and then we built some phases to get some points late which was pleasing."
In Brisbane, the Reds' miserable run of form continued as they were thrashed 36-12 by the Chiefs, the hosts' fourth defeat in a row.
Victory was assured in the opening half hour at Suncorp Stadium as the Chiefs racked up 24 points, showing quick hands to keep the ball moving and create scoring opportunities for Tyler Ardron, Charlie Ngatai and Brodie Retallick.
Liam Polwart extended the Chiefs' advantage early in the second half and although Samu Kerevi's brace threatened to rob the Chiefs of a bonus point, Samisoni Taukei'aho went over after the clock had gone red to secure a maximum haul.
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Latest Comments
SCW really dislikes Eddie, doesn't he?
His words in 2019 before the RWC final that he now says should have resulted in Eddie's firing:
"Was Saturday’s sensational World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand England’s greatest ever performance? Yes, unquestionably, would be my answer."
So let's fire the coach one game later? Duh!
Go to commentsIreland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
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