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Watch: Sevu Reece and Will Jordan combine to produce two 'sensational' tries in atrocious conditions
The Crusaders have produced a pair of wonderful tries in what has been an otherwise dull Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against the Chiefs in miserable conditions.
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In a match engulfed in handling errors, kicking duels and set pieces, the dynamic outside back duo joined forced to break the uninspiring theme of the game to bring the fixture to life with two expertly-taken tries.
The first of those came at the back end of the first half when a Richie Mo’unga bomb from inside his own half was misfielded by Chiefs fullback Damian McKenzie.
That allowed Reece to take the ball cleanly- a rare occurrence under the drizzly clouds of Christchurch – and set off down the right wing in the most exciting passage of play of the half.
Streaming down into the opposition’s 22, the All Blacks star simply had to draw in the covering Sean Wainui, which set free the supporting Jordan to run in his 11th try for the Crusaders in just his 14th outing.
The take, the offload from Sevu Reece & the gas from Will Jordan. Just wow.
?: @skysportnz #CRUvCHI pic.twitter.com/V0DsqSaUKP
— Super Rugby NZ (@SuperRugbyNZ) June 28, 2020
The two players doubled down on their first half antics early in the second stanza, when Reece caught the Chiefs napping with a quick lineout near halfway while the visitors weren’t paying attention as they were in conversation with the referee.
Warren Gatland’s men were made to pay for their lack of concentration, as Reece’s quick thinking sparked another scintillating attacking move against the run of play, of which was again easily capped off by Jordan.
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? You snooze, you lose.
Will Jordan punishing the @ChiefsRugby in Christchurch at the moment.
?: @skysportnz #CRUvCHI pic.twitter.com/la114fvO1w
— Super Rugby NZ (@SuperRugbyNZ) June 28, 2020
The pair’s exploits have been widely lauded by pundits across Twitter, who mostly agree that their show of skill in difficult conditions and clever style of play have been the difference between the two sides at Orangetheory Stadium.
DMac misses the highball, Reese collects & Jordan in for the try! From nowhere really but will that open the game up? Been low scoring wet game so far 10-3 35mins #CRUvCHI #SuperRugby
— Paul from New Zealand Sport Radio (@DrivingMaul) June 28, 2020
To pull off a try like that in weather like this is just sensational#CRUvCHI #SuperRugbyAotearoa
— ??? ????? ????? (@AndreGeel) June 28, 2020
Just like that.
Make a mistake and the Crusaders will make you look stupid.
Excellent support from Will Jordan. #CRUvCHI #SuperRugbyAotearoa
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) June 28, 2020
Seevu is inspired today, man will catch everything #CRUvCHI
— ? (@chappatiSLAYER) June 28, 2020
Try time… Will Jordan! It was all Sevu Reece who set it up though! #CRUvCHI #SuperRugbyAotearoa
— Luka (@labzyl) June 28, 2020
Gotta give credit where it's due, malo Sevu and Will nice try #CRUvCHI
— Moana Leilua???? (@Moanaleilua) June 28, 2020
Sevu Reece has got wheels ?? #SuperRugbyAotearoa #CRUvCHI
— Tomás (@TallTooro_) June 28, 2020
The Sevu Reece-Will Jordan combo ??
2x Reece try assists
2x Jordan tries #SuperRugbyAotearoa #CRUvCHI— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) June 28, 2020
A try from a quick throw in?? That would have to be a personal favourite try for Will Jordan. It was smart and well executed, a good rugby brain in that young noggin.
Typical Crusaders though, frustratingly good ? #CRUvCHI— p-wol (@P_WOL) June 28, 2020
Ouch! Cruden pays the price for his discussion with the ref, which allows Will Jordan to score yet another try! Lesson learned: Always keep your eye on the ball and your opinions to yourself! ? #CRUvCHI #SuperRugbyAotearoa
— Joly Fox (@JolyFox) June 28, 2020
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Will 'freaking' Jordan!!! Haha love to see it! #CRUvCHI
— mutuota kamau (@Bad_OneLine_Man) June 28, 2020
Niiiice quick thinking and perfect passing from Reece, for Jordan to carve that back line up so easily. Pretty to watch ? try! #rugby #CRUvCHI
— Melissa Davies (@silverdeltaMD) June 28, 2020
The Crusaders went on to secure a 18-13 victory to keep themselves right in contention for the Super Rugby Aotearoa title, with Reece’s and Jordan’s exploits contributing heavily to their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Comments on RugbyPass
Some 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.
1 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
7 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?
43 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.
7 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
7 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.
7 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
7 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.
7 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 commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to comments