Rob Penney praises Fletcher Newell’s “heart the size of a lion” moment

Crusaders head coach Rob Penney knows exactly what will excite his All Blacks prop Fletcher Newell the most, after a convincing 50-21 victory in his milestone match.

Newell brought up 50 Crusaders appearances on Saturday evening at North Harbour Stadium, where the All Black tighthead prop showcased his class around the field.

Newell then beat one more covering defender before basketball passing the ball to Noah Hotham 15 meters from the line.

The Crusaders prop had one pick-and-go at the line before front row teammate, George Bell, crossed for his second of the night.

Penney couldn’t speak more highly of his All Black prop, agreeing with Sky Sport commentator James Parsons, who joked about how his two scrum victories will be what Newell will be most pleased with.

“Look no doubt about that. That’s where the joy is,” Penney said on Sky Sport post-match. 

“He’s done a few things over the time since I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with him, that has been special. 

“He chased down a winger on the edge defensively. He chased down Tupou Vaai and got a jackal in the final and, he scored the 500th try at Apollo Projects Stadium.

“Like he’s an amazing tight head, mobility, ability, and a heart the size of a lion,” the 61-year-old head coach said.

When asked post-match about his line-breaking run, the milestone man deflected any praise on Sky Sport to the rest of his players.

“I was pretty gassed, to be honest, after that, I think it took about 30 seconds for me to get off the ground, but I suppose when you look up and just want to get go forward for the boys, and it just happened to be a bit of space out there.

“Yeah I just looked up and there’s a bit of space. Not very often I’ll get some space out there. But yeah, the boys did an awesome job to open up those opportunities, and i’m really proud of it.

“The young team that was out there tonight, Cooper Grant on debut did an awesome job. And yeah, I was really proud of the lads.”