Super Rugby Pacific: Five takeaways from Crusaders win over the Brumbies, including Leicester Fainga’anuku’s star performance

Dylan Coetzee
Super Rugby Pacific: Crusaders star Leicester Fainga'anuku with ball in hand

Following the Crusaders’ 35-17 win over the Brumbies, Planet Rugby unpacks five takeaways from the clash in Christchurch.

Crusaders have a championship mentality

The defending champions ended up taking an impressive victory. However, it was flattering for them as the performance at times was not as in sync as one would expect.

Richie Mo’unga was not at his best, amongst others. However, regardless of whether the side was in sync or not, the culture and ethos at the Crusaders breed a winning mentality, and if there is an opportunity to change the game or pounce on an error, they are likely to take it.

This was particularly evident throughout the second period as the Crusaders found a bit more rhythm and powered away from the Brumbies.

Mo’unga is better with David Havili next to him

Whilst the fly-half had some solid contributions and did influence the game, the world-class operator has extremely high standards – levels he did not reach against the Brumbies.

Mo’unga is missing his trusty right-hand man Havili at 12. The centre’s all-around skill-set is a huge asset for the fly-half. Havili can kick exceptionally well out of hand, distribute brilliantly and is sound in playmaking decision-making.

All those attributes take a lot of pressure off Mo’unga and allow him to pick his moments better. Against the Brumbies, the All Black was guilty of overplaying at times, feeling the onus to create and make something happen constantly.

However, there is no doubt Mo’unga is top operator and can still prove that without Havili, as he did at times this week and last week against the Blues.

Leicester Fainga’anuku issues another reminder of his quality

The wing dropped down the All Blacks pecking order soon after his debut with the rise of Mark Telea and the return of Will Jordan to the national set-up.

The fall down the hierarchy was not to any fault of the Crusader, and over the last two games, he has been absolutely sensational, reminding All Blacks coach Ian Foster that he is worthy of a plane ticket to France.

Fainga-anuku scored a double against the Brumbies to add to his hat-trick against the Blues last weekend. His first try on Friday was courtesy of a stunning line he ran early on to beat several defenders.

One thing is for certain, the 23-year-old is certainly not finished with the black jersey, and a period of form like this goes a long way in aiding his cause.

The Brumbies lack enough cutting edge

The Australian side had a lot of possession and territory in the first half specifically and spent a lot of time playing through the phases and trying to unlock the Crusaders’ defence but to no avail.

Whilst the side protected their ball fairly well, it never felt like the Brumbies would break through and score. When they did cross the line in the first 40 they were held up, and the Crusaders turned the goal drop out into a try all the way down the other end.

The second period was much of the same, with a plethora of errors and only Ryan Lonergan and Corey Toole tries to show for all their possession. Questions could be asked about whether or not Noah Lolesio can impose himself on the game like an international fly-half should.

The Brumbies could not compete up front

The visitors struggled tremendously at scrum time, especially in the first period, and the Crusaders used this to leverage their field position and, ultimately, the game as a whole. James Slipper, Rob Valetini and Pete Samu were all resting as per national requirements, and the trio were sorely missed.

However, it was not just at scrum time but also in the collision area where the Crusaders bullied their visitors at times. Ethan Blackadder was a menace at the breakdown and in the tackle, ripping the ball on several occasions.

Ultimately it was not the kind of forward performance the Brumbies will be proud of.

READ MORE: WATCH: Leicester Fainga’anuku scores with RAMPANT run in win over Brumbies