Crusaders player ratings: All Blacks prop hands glory moment to James O’Connor and the ‘outstanding’ performance that will please Scott Robertson
Ethan Blackadder and Fletcher Newell impressed for the Crusaders.
Following a tight 25-22 victory over the Blues in the Super Rugby Pacific clash in Christchurch on Friday, here are the player ratings for the Crusaders.
15 Will Jordan: Not a day for the outside backs, who had a tough time of it in the rain. Jordan was generally solid under the high ball, despite one error which he was fortunate to get away with, while he showed typical rugby intelligence for his try. 6
14 Chay Fihaki: There were a few too many errors that the opposition could feed off, but the conditions made it difficult for the back three. 5
13 Levi Aumua: Did his duty defensively as the Crusaders gave the Blues very little in phase play outside of the 22. 6
12 David Havili (c): A few missed tackles but a sumptuous pass for Jordan’s try, which will go on the highlight reel, before he went off at half-time. 6
11 Sevu Reece: Very little impact from Reece, who has otherwise enjoyed an excellent season so far. Will hope the sun is out in the next game. 5
Mature performances
10 Taha Kemara: Against the All Blacks’ first choice 10, the apprentice outshone the master in the first half before Beauden Barrett eventually got to grip with the conditions. 7
9 Noah Hotham: Fine performance in the first half as the Crusaders generally controlled the territory battle. Had it tougher in the second period but it was still a mature outing. 7
8 Christian Lio-Willie: Some performance from the number eight on both sides of the ball. Lio-Willie carried well, made some big tackles and was very effective at the breakdown. 8
7 Ethan Blackadder: The game’s top tackler with an incredible 26 in an outstanding defensive effort. Blackadder’s performances will certainly be pleasing All Blacks boss Scott Robertson. 7
6 Cullen Grace: Quieter than his back-row colleagues and was eventually replaced just prior to the hour mark, but Grace still put himself about. 6
Scrum dominance
5 Antonio Shalfoon: Like Grace, Shalfoon worked hard in the tighter exchanges but his impact wasn’t quite as great as his forward team-mates. 6
4 Scott Barrett: Has been criticised for his performances this season but enjoyed a return to form last weekend and ended in credit on Friday. 7
3 Fletcher Newell: Incredible effort from the tighthead. Went the whole 80 minutes, generally getting the better of both Blues looseheads, to allow James O’Connor to kick the winning penalties. 8
2 Codie Taylor: Made his return from concussion and was solid, lasting 70 minutes before being taken off. 6
1 Tamaiti Williams: Took his try well and was excellent in the set-piece as the All Black enjoyed the scrum battle. 7
Replacements: They were at risk of losing until George Bower got to work at scrum-time and O’Connor took control of the game. The Australian was impressive in his 15-minute cameo as he became a hero in Christchurch. 7