Laulala lashes Chiefs
14 Feb 2009
Casey Laulala’s double boosted the Crusaders to a 19-13 win over the Chiefs in Christchurch.
This New Zealand derby is hardly ever predictable with the Chiefs proving something of a bogey side for the Crusaders in recent years. On this occasion, the clanging cowbells in the grandstand could not inspire the visitors to a win as the Crusaders maintained control for much of the match.
With the departure of Dan Carter and Robbie Deans there have been questions concerning the Crusaders’ ability to retain the title. Time will tell whether coach Todd Blackadder is the genuine article, but Colin Slade had a solid afternoon at pivot for the men in red and black. The flyhalf created the hosts’ first try with a cheeky chip that was successfully chased by Casey Laulala, and with an impressive all-round performance hot shot Stephen Brett may continue to warm the bench.
Centre Tim Bateman extended the lead just before half-time with an opportunistic try that showcased his deceptive speed. Chiefs wing Lelia Masaga threw a lose pass which Bateman intercepted and ran all of 40m to score.
But Masaga and the Chiefs struck back with a five-pointer that saw the Chiefs right back in the contest at 14-13. The Saders may have been missing Carter but there characteristic composure was ever-apparent as they weathered a determined Chiefs attack. Wave after wave, the hosts held firm, and Blackadder will be pleased the Canterbury franchise have loss none of their grunt in this department.
The Saders had the final say with Laulala adding his second after a sustained period on attack. The conversion attempt by Slade was wide allowing the Chiefs to pick up a consolatory bonus point.
By Jon Cardinelli
173 Comments
Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] Show All
14 Feb 2009, 12:58 pm
#142 RugbyRulz:
Glad to hear it …have virtual one on me.
8).
CHCH,
I haven’t seen the game, but we so often shoot ourselves in the foot nothing surprises me.
14 Feb 2009, 13:00 pm
#150 church – like chch but pronounceable: No family is in the Hotel business. My eldest son is an IT engineer. The other is still at UNI doing Law.
14 Feb 2009, 13:01 pm
#151 cane:
You are going to find the opening period ball handling skills difficult to watch. A new meaning to passing the ball into the gap.
14 Feb 2009, 13:04 pm
I wish I could see the Crusaders game again. Not sure if the two knockdowns that prevented tries were intentional or not.
14 Feb 2009, 13:08 pm
#147 RugbyRulz: #147.
They don’t have to be “cold and Bad”.
I like mine just…….just cooked, in batter with lemon.
14 Feb 2009, 13:08 pm
The Sader, Chiefs, Canes and Tahs were all a little like 7′s matches at times. 1st round is always a lucky dip.
14 Feb 2009, 13:11 pm
#155 cane: Yes I don’t mind them when cooked. Just seared in olive oil/butter, salt, pepper, lemon and a sprinkle of oregano. The wee bit of butter gives a nutty taste.
14 Feb 2009, 13:13 pm
Guys going to love you all and leave you. Goodluck with your teams and if you’re into fantasy, superbru or whatever comp… goodluck with that too. Bye for now.
14 Feb 2009, 13:20 pm
#158 RugbyRulz:
Goodnight RR…………….thanks for coming along.
8)
14 Feb 2009, 13:20 pm
well the canes got caned in their own back yard and the force got bucked by the blues, and the cheetahs got mauled by the lions while the brumbies squeaked past the highlanders and the crusaders crucified the chiefs. Now its just for the stormers to blow away the sharks and the bulls to gore the reds and then the first weekend games are complete.
14 Feb 2009, 13:26 pm
Sharks and Stormers to draw.
Stormers miss vital conversion and have to kiss their cousin and share the spoils.
14 Feb 2009, 13:38 pm
Here are way to many nz’s on here. Having said that i’m glad i put Casey in my fantasy league team.
14 Feb 2009, 13:38 pm
Hey Skoppie……..there is no “report comment” on the new format!!!
It’s open season………………
14 Feb 2009, 13:40 pm
My top 4 prediction: 1 .stormers 2 .sharks 3 .saders 4 . Waratahs
14 Feb 2009, 13:42 pm
Game of the weekend prediction: stormers 25 – sharks 10
14 Feb 2009, 14:40 pm
#165 Wezwp: Sharks 35 Stormers 6
Wish….
14 Feb 2009, 14:48 pm
Chiefs deserved to win
14 Feb 2009, 14:50 pm
LIONS/Cheetahs game looked a better quality too….
14 Feb 2009, 14:52 pm
From what I saw…the NZ teams will have to up their game…
14 Feb 2009, 14:56 pm
The NZ’ers are gonna have a tough time getting a single team into the S14…..
14 Feb 2009, 15:58 pm
#167 Hmmm:
You must of not have watched the game
#170 Hmmm:
We have 5
16 Feb 2009, 02:12 am
#15 Fern: We are an Island in the pacific ocean ya tosspot, that is why there are more samoan’s in auk than in samoa, you idiot
16 Feb 2009, 02:14 am
#21 JL1: We don’t have slums in nz, your not in saffa land now jappie
Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.