1
Former Crusaders hero Mitch Hunt returns to Christchurch in a bid to spoil his former side's party
By Patrick McKendry, NZ Herald
To celebrate 25 years of Super Rugby and the Crusaders’ new tohu, or symbol, all of those who have played for the competition’s most successful franchise will be invited to functions before and after the match in Christchurch against the Highlanders on Saturday.
Included on the list will presumably be Mitch Hunt, the Highlanders’ new No 10 and the man who famously broke the hearts of some of his new teammates when he kicked his remarkable dropped goal to win the game for the Crusaders in Christchurch back in 2017.
With the score tied at 22, the Highlanders defending for 19 phases, and the clock ticking nearly two and a half minutes after the fulltime siren, Hunt, a replacement for Richie Mo’unga, was urged to intervene by loosehead prop Wyatt Crocket in words not fit to be printed here and so Hunt did by kicking the ball over from 45m out.
Continue reading below…
ADVERTISEMENT
It represented a near perfect combination of optimism, daring and skill, a clutch play so impressive it even attracted the attention of the touring media covering the British and Irish Lions at the time.
And now he returns in another jersey but forever part of the Crusaders’ folklore, a 24-year-old who helped the red and blacks on their way to another title.
“We know his qualities and what he brings,” Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said. “He’s great under pressure. It’s a helluva match. He’s a good man and good mate and a real professional.”
Robertson added: “All the brotherhood are coming in pre-game. We get to show them around and re-connect. They’ll have a couple of quiet ones to reacquaint and then we’ll head down to the ground. Afterwards they’ll get one of the tohu… to show how we’ve taken on what they created and added our own legacy.”
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1230666777366917120
Asked whether Highlanders coaches and former Crusaders Aaron Mauger and Mark Hammett would be invited, Robertson said: “They’re invited and more than welcome. The same as Leon [MacDonald], and Brad Thorn can come if he wants.”
As Hunt’s match-winner highlights, the Crusaders v Highlanders derby generally makes for a special match.
“The Party at Tony Brown’s [1999 final] and a few years later they beat us three times in a row under the roof down there – they had our number,” Robertson said. “We’ve had some great battles and a few years ago they came up and Mitch Hunt saved us on the knocker. We’re expecting that sort of game again.
“Obviously they’ve bounced back really well. Their performance against the Brumbies who are so tough to beat over there – stayed in the fight. They were committed and probably had that belief that came out right at the end. They’ll be buoyant after that.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8z3P9ugSz8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Crusaders lock and skipper Scott Barrett is out with a minor knee injury suffered in his team’s victory over the Blues at Eden Park, with veteran Luke Romano, who has just turned 34, getting a rare start alongside the promising 20-year-old Cullen Grace. This is the third derby in a row for the defending champions, who have a bye next week.
“Luke turned 41,” Robertson deadpanned. “It’s pretty special. He’s still going well. His impact off the bench for us has been incredible – he’s carrying old-school and cleaning out old-school. He brings a real edge and game knowledge that we need and love.”
This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
SBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
5 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
11 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
11 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
5 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
11 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
11 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
11 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
11 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
11 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
11 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
11 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
11 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to comments