Crusaders player ratings vs Blues | Super Rugby Pacific
This match had a symphony of narratives to get excited about; last year’s final rematch, the individual matchups, the All Blacks selection battle, and the rival coaches who are soon to be All Blacks leaders…
The Blues won their match in Christchurch last season, their first win on Crusaders soil in 18 years, so both teams entered the match eager to extend the history on their side.
The Crusaders came out of the gates firing, hell-bent on playing with the ball in hand and making the Blues tackle, but as much ground as they made, the Auckland side’s defence was relentless and there were a number of clutch steals to keep the men in red and black out. Halftime score: 10-3
A red card to Blues captain Dalton Papali’i in the second half could have sealed the Blues’ fate but the score remained low as both teams executed well defensively.
In the end, the home team outlasted their Auckland opponents, the few finishes they managed were the difference in a tight game. Final score: 15-3
Here’s how the Crusaders rated:
1. Joe Moody – N/A
Off early with an ankle injury.
2. Codie Taylor – 8
There were signs of vintage Codie Taylor form in the early passages of the match, crisp distribution skills around the set piece and a menace at the breakdown. Taylor picking the ball up from the back of the ruck and going for a run is a glorious sight and a sign of a Crusaders side in dangerous form.
Taylor’s lineout throwing wasn’t perfect but his reliable range allowed his side to execute some deeper lineout moves.
3. Tamaiti Williams – 9
Williams wasted no time lending his physicality to the match, busting through the middle of a lineout move and making his trademark post-contact meters. Williams was man-handling players at the breakdown, contributing well to the Crusaders’ extended phase play.
Williams was forced to switch from tighthead to loosehead after an ankle injury to Joe Moody and a temporary injury to Oli Jager, and the 22-year-old transitioned seamlessly. Beyond the plays he does make, his discipline to pull out of plays when the referee said so and avoid conceding any penalties is what makes him All Black material.
4. Scott Barrett – 8
Barrett charged his side forward straight from the kick-off, attacking the Blues’ first breakdown of the game and winning the turnover. The captain tackled everyone, from Ofa Tu’ungafasi to Caleb Clarke, claiming a team-high 13 tackles without a miss. Credit has to be given to the captain for his side remaining composed and consistently executing their defensive line and breakdown cleanouts which ultimately won them such a tight match.
5. Quinten Strange – 6.5
The man to finally break the deadlock in the 29th minute, profiting from the work of his hooker to pick and go and find the chalk. Strange’s work at lineout time was superb, calling some more unorthodox lineout moves with the deep throws that were executed expertly.
Miscommunication on the kickoffs allowed Caleb Clarke to claim two steals, which surrendered the hard-won momentum.
6. Christian Lio-Willie – 7
Lio-Willie’s athleticism saw him active around the breakdown while providing subtle carries on attack with minor but useful post-contact meters. A number of passes showed his fluency in distribution, contributing to some dynamic attacking plays.
7. Tom Christie – 8
Christie averages one missed tackle every two games and despite the lopsided possession in this match, he made his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball. His work at the ruck was disruptive, winning his side multiple turnovers. Seven carries with five passes shows the growth in his game.
8. Cullen Grace – 7.5
Grace looked to inject his usual explosive running game into the match early, whether it was in the wide channels or picking and going off the ruck, he was making meters at an impressive rate. He didn’t have such a heavy influence in the second half but Grace had by far the most passes by any forward in the game, which speaks to his involvement on attack. His impact on defence was minimal compared to his fellow forwards.
9. Mitchell Drummond – 7.5
Drummond was operating off the back of some superb breakdown work from his forwards. The ball was constant and consistent from the No 9, whose kicking game was better in this match than previous outings. There were a couple of handy tackles around the ankles of some dangerous Blues runners too.
10. Richie Mo’unga – 8.5
Mo’unga set the pace and intensity for his team with his early touches, injecting speed into the attack and placing the ball in space for his outsides to run onto. The mercurial flyhalf found half gaps to exploit and punished any forward who found themselves matching up with the All Black 10. He beat more defenders than the entire Blues roster in the first half – although 70% possession undermines statistic that somewhat.
It was a shaky night off the tee for Mo’unga, hitting the posts on a fairly elementary-looking conversion and missing a penalty he’d usually have no issue slotting. All seven of his tackles were difficult takes but Mo’unga’s ability to hang on around the bootlaces is second to none.
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku – 8.5
The three certainties in life: death, taxes and Leicester Fainga’anuku running off the back of Crusaders’ lineout moves. The finishing prowess was on display as David Havili set him up in the corner. As impressive as his attacking threat is – 118 running metres off 17 carries – it was Fainga’anuku’s defence that stood out as the Crusaders looked to close the game out. He read plays well and put in some big hits that put an end to the Blues’ attacking threats and ultimately, their comeback hopes.
12. David Havili – 8
Havili’s playmaking skills more closely resemble that of Magic Johnson than any traditional second five, throwing one-handed pass fakes and delivering sleight-of-hand balls to his outside runners. He found ways to inject his defence into the match at key moments, stifling the Blues’ momentum and claiming a couple of steals for good measure. Havili’s work rate was key to the Crusaders’ success on defence, making extra efforts and chasing hard when the ball was kicked ahead.
13. Braydon Ennor – 7.5
Ennor’s influence on the match was often subtle but productive; making the half-break that led to Leicester Fainga’anuku’s try, stepping in at halfback when the No 9 was otherwise engaged and holding players up on defence. The game was still very much in the balance late in the piece and it was the likes of Braydon Ennor whose fitness showed up, putting in the extra efforts as others were catching their breath.
14. Dallas McLeod – 6.5
Charged with the tall order of marking the evasive Caleb Clark, McLoed stood up admirably, claiming six tackles on the night. His attacking game was limited but his few runs were productive, beating two tackles and running his way out of some dangerously isolated situations.
15. Will Jordan – 7
It was a shaky start to the match for Jordan, his initial few touches were indecisive and he was lucky not to get isolated. The confidence never wavered though and there were plenty of subtle touches amongst the rust. Jordan’s vision provided moments of what could have been magic, just lacking the familiar Jordan touch to finish the play.
Replacements:
16. Brodie McAlister – 6.5
17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin – 7
18. Oliver Jager – 6.5
On early for the injured Joe Moody and introduced himself to the match with a strong leg drive. Soon left the field with a blood bin but returned and contributed on both sides of the ball.
19. Zach Gallagher – 7
Gallagher came on and offered instant impact, stealing a lineout and making his presence felt with a physical clearance in the breakdown.
20. Sione Havili Talitui – 8
21. Noah Hotham – 8.5
The future of the Crusaders’ No 9 jersey is bright with this kid, his passing is crisp, his vision opens the defence up and his running game is a constant threat. Made some tough tackles also.
22. Fergus Burke – N/A
23. Jack Goodhue – 7.5
Comments on RugbyPass
Lets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
10 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
10 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
14 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to commentsHe seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
6 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
22 Go to comments