Crusaders player ratings: No Will Jordan, no problem as ‘absolutely superb’ stand-in shines while ‘underrated’ forward once again impresses
Johnny McNicholl and Tom Christie celebrate scoring tries for Crusaders against Waratahs.
Following a 48-33 victory over the Waratahs in the Super Rugby Pacific clash at Allianz Stadium on Friday, here are the player ratings for the Crusaders.
15 Johnny McNicholl: There were fears about replacing the world-class Will Jordan, but McNicholl, who was making his first appearance of the season, was absolutely superb. The full-back made 100 metres in the match, scored one try and set up another in an outstanding display. 9
14 Chay Fihaki: In a back three which combined very effectively, Fihaki was another big threat to the Waratahs’ defence. The wing touched down once and was a menace every time he got the ball. 7
13 Braydon Ennor: Injuries may have taken away some of that pace, but Ennor still had enough gas to stay clear of Darby Lancaster when scoring. 7
12 David Havili (c): A solid performance from the captain, who knitted everything together nicely in the backline and did his work defensively. 6
Record-equalling score
11 Sevu Reece: Ended his try-scoring drought to move level with TJ Perenara at the top of the overall Super Rugby standings. Outside of that score, Reece was magnificent, earning two assists, with the second coming via a deft grubber through. 8
10 Rivez Reihana: Handed the reins after Taha Kemara’s unfortunate injury, and he has certainly not let the Crusaders down. Reihana was superb in Sydney by being his side’s main creative spark. 8
9 Noah Hotham: Gave good service to Reihana, which crucially gave his fly-half time to make the right decisions, in a fine hour’s work from the scrum-half. 7
8 Christian Lio-Willie: A quieter game than we are used to seeing from the number eight. He worked hard, carrying plenty with ball in hand and also making his tackles, but Lio-Willie’s impact was neutralised. 6
Underrated Crusader
7 Tom Christie: One of the most underrated players in New Zealand. The Crusaders stalwart once again impressed on both sides of the ball, causing problems for the Waratahs at the breakdown, and he was rewarded for his efforts with a try. 8
6 Cullen Grace: Roamed around the field and popped up with a try while also making plenty of hits on defence. Also helped out in the lineout in what was an effective performance at flanker. 7
5 Antonio Shalfoon: The game’s top tackler with an excellent 21, as Shalfoon worked hard in the Crusaders’ engine room. Also did his bit in the lineout in what was a solid set-piece. 7
4 Quinten Strange: Like Shalfoon, his locking partner was everywhere on defence and made an impact in the lineout. They combined well in the absence of Scott Barrett. 7
3 Kershawl Sykes-Martin: Struggled a bit against Wallabies powerhouse Angus Bell as he conceded a couple of penalties. Held up okay elsewhere, but Rob Penney will want Fletcher Newell back quickly ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs. 5
2 Ioane Moananu: Has had plenty of game time this season due to the injuries at hooker and Moananu has more than proved his worth. On Friday, he once again did his core duties well. 6
1 Tamaiti Williams: Solid in the set-piece and a huge presence around the field as he did some good work in the loose and at close quarters. 7
Replacements: Struggled to impact the game as the Waratahs briefly threatened a comeback. James O’Connor showed some good touches, but the rest of the bench could not quite bring the same intensity as the starters. 4
