Crusaders vs Blues takes: The fairy tale first, what can't he do?

One of Super Rugby’s most famous rivalries took centre stage in front of a sold-out crowd at Te Kaha in Christchurch to kick off round 13.

The Crusaders got off to a strong start, but the Blues ended the first half with some momentum and points that brought the scoreline back in their favour by a single point.

It was again the hosts who started the second half on the front foot and scored three tries to claim an 18-point lead before a red and yellow card in quick succession. The Blues pounced instantly, and the final 10 minutes shaped to be a sprint at the end of a taxing marathon.

The only points in those final 10 minutes, though, would be scored by the hosts, with George Bell completing a supersub showing with a five-pointer that sealed the game in the 76th minute.

Here are some takeaways from the match.

The fairytale first

George Bower scored his first-ever try in a Crusaders jersey on Friday night in what was his 100th game for the club.

Bower has become a central figure in the club’s culture as a charismatic prop with 25 Test matches under his belt and a larger-than-life personality.

Bower has one try to his name in an All Blacks jersey, but none for his NPC team, Otago. The way his teammates celebrated his five-pointer showed how much it meant to the team as a whole, and the way the stadium rose to their feet when he left the field showed just how popular he is with the fans.

Rugby doesn’t have too many personalities that connect with the community as Bower does, and in a milestone match, the big man’s popularity was on full display. Bringing personalities to the fore is one of the most prominent areas of evolution for administrators in the game, and Bower is a prime example of it working out.

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What can’t he do?

That man, Leicester Fainga’anuku, was everywhere on Friday night, making his presence felt in all aspects of the match and contributing directly to points on the board for the Crusaders.

This writer has been sceptical about the switch to openside flanker, and while he is undoubtedly a premier threat around the breakdown when it comes to stealing the ball, questions remain about his proficiency in moving bodies to secure possession.

That said, the amount of X-factor Fainga’anuku possesses more than makes up for anything unproven, with two try assists on Friday night via the boot, 15 tackles, three turnovers won and four defenders beaten.

Whatever the game throws his way, Fainga’anuku has, in his toolkit, something for the job. Shifting back to the midfield late in the first half, his touches were big for his team.

Regardless of what Fainga’anuku’s hybrid experiment means for the All Blacks, it looks to be building his game in Super Rugby.

Give them an inch…

This win for the defending champs was much-needed heading into a bye week with the playoffs fast approaching.

This season has been far from convincing for the Crusaders, with injury woes and a strange lack of attacking cohesion early in the season. The attack had some poor moments against the Blues, but when it had mojo, points were scored in a hurry.

No one will need reminding that this is a club that has won eight titles in the last nine years, with an unparalleled ability to turn up when the lights get brightest. Their backs may not have been entirely against the wall in round 13, but sitting in fifth place with the most difficult remaining schedule in the competition, the Crusaders knew how important this result was.

The other thing to consider is that Will Jordan is expected back after the coming bye, bringing his truly world-class attacking talent with him. Both remaining games are also set to be played in Christchurch, and with two straight sell-outs to begin life at One New Zealand Stadium, it’s comfortably the most energised atmosphere in Super Rugby Pacific.

Should they keep their spot in the playoffs, the Crusaders are sure to make any team nervous.