Crusaders torment Tahs

Crusaders torment Tahs

4 Feb 2006

Only two points separated the teams at the end, but don’t be fooled by a Waratahs second half comeback in going down 32-30 to the five-time Super 12 champion Crusaders outfit.

The Crusaders, starting with a full-strength team, blitzed the Tahs 27-3 in the opening 40 minutes. Crusaders coach Robbie Deans then made wholesale changes and this let the Tahs back into the game with a three try to one second half dominance.

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie knew the reality of the match was not reflected in a two-pointer.

“We wanted a thorough exam, that’s why we played the Crusaders, and we certainly got one,” he told the media. “If you want to call it a reality check you can call it that.
“But we won’t be going into the competition in a deluded state of mind about what is ahead of us.”

Reports from the match suggest Wendell Sailor will be a hit in his new blue strip. Sailor was credited for his skill on attack and for inspiring the Waratahs fightback.

Mose Tuiali’i scored first for the Crusaders, Ross Filipo added a second and Aaron Mauger scored the third of the first half, while Leon Macdonald added the fourth on halftime.

Shaun Berne and Rocky Elsom scored to reduce the deficit to 27-20 but Tuiali’i added a fifth for the Crusaders.

Wycliffe Palu then added to the excitement with a 65th minute score and Peter Hewat’s conversion and penalty on 69 minutes meant it was a two point ball game for the last 11 minutes.

The reality, though, was in the first 40 minutes when the Crusaders showed their season’s intent.


8 Comments

  • 1.jondood: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2006, 15:37 pm

    Only the Bulls will put a stop to the Crusaders.

  • 2.BrumbyIV: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2006, 15:38 pm

    The tahs are always up for reality checks.

    It’s not often that the Crusaders win two trials in a row.

  • 3.Original Pierre: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2006, 16:01 pm

    From a sharks` supporters vantage point . . . WE`VE GOT PROBLEMS!

  • 4.BrumbyIV: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2006, 18:17 pm

    From all reports Whitaker had a dead set shocker. His mind is already halfway to Ireland.

    The ARU want to stop the Tahs from using their ridiculous initials on their jerseys. If it means more losses than wins, I hope they keep it.

  • 5.Junior: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2006, 20:25 pm

    Just remember that the tahs normally start with an absolute BANG and then mid comp have a disastrous run of games … last year was the first time that they actually strung the games together that mattered. In some respects they were like the Liverpool sides of the 90′s who always flattered to deceive by blowing out in the new year.

  • 6.out wide: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2006, 01:17 am

    Correct Junior, on top of that the Crusaders are traditionally slow starters!

  • 7.Delek: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2006, 09:39 am

    Jondood don’t forget the Blues. They have a proven coach and a mix of established All Black stars and exciting young talent.

    Auckland are also the reigning NPC champions and are quick making winning a habit. WATCH THESE GUYS……..

  • 8.Cubiczirconia: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2006, 10:41 am

    The most important thing the South African sides can do is to start winning at home and I mean every game – when teams know they are coming to SA, the should know that they will have to play outta their skins to win … only when that happens will we start having a chance of winning the competition

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