The fortress of Christchurch stands strong.
The Crusaders have extended their remarkable home Super Rugby finals record to an astonishing 31-0, showcasing a resilient defensive display to overcome the reigning champions, the Blues, 21-14 on Friday night.
Rob Penney’s team is now set to host the grand final on June 21, facing the victor of the semi-final between the Chiefs and Brumbies in Hamilton this Saturday.
Sevu Reece of the Crusaders celebrates victory. Getty
The Crusaders, featuring Wallabies veteran James O’Connor, faced intense pressure, with the Blues attacking their try-line for over 40 phases before No.8 Christian Lio-Willie pounced in the 87th minute of this thrilling encounter.
This remarkable squad has now earned its place in 17 finals over the past 28 seasons, showcasing dominance that rivals any in global sport.
Coach Penney, who was dismissed by the Waratahs in 2021, found himself under scrutiny last year when the Crusaders failed to qualify for the playoffs.
However, the management retained their trust, and Penney’s players rewarded that faith.
“I want to give a little shout-out to the management,” Penney expressed.
“Last year was tough, and they were under significant pressure. They showed remarkable bravery in allowing me to continue.”
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“And perhaps there’s a lesson here for others.
“If they trust a coach for one season, they should consider allowing them to continue. If things improve, fantastic. But I can’t emphasise enough how great my colleagues are. This is a remarkable organisation, as is well-known, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
A brilliant Crusaders fullback, Will Jordan, was pivotal in the match with two tries, following the first try from flanker Tom Christie.
This sparked a comeback after the Blues’ blistering start.
The dangerous backs, Mark Tele’a and Rieko Ioane, struck early in the first half, silencing the home crowd with a 14-0 lead within 21 minutes.
Ioane’s try broke Doug Howlett’s club record for most outings with 55.
The deficit only served to strengthen the Crusaders’ resolve, as they held the Blues scoreless for the remainder of the match.
The Blues found themselves fighting to stay in the game late on without No.8 Hoskins Sotutu, who received a harsh yellow card for an accidental collision with Crusaders winger Chay Fihaki.
“I really don’t see how Hoskins Sotutu could have avoided that. I don’t think anyone should be sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes for something like that,” Crusaders icon Justin Marshall remarked during the commentary.
The grand final marks the club’s final game at Apollo Projects Stadium before relocating to their impressive new venue under the roof at Te Kaha (One New Zealand Stadium) in the city’s central business district.
Meanwhile, the Blues have now suffered 20 losses in their last 24 outings in Christchurch.
Crusaders flanker Ethan Blackadder, who sustained a significant head cut requiring six stitches, encapsulated the team’s mindset.
Ethan Blackadder and Fletcher Newell of the Crusaders celebrate. Getty
“We weren’t going to take any nonsense, basically,” Blackadder remarked.
“That’s just rugby. It’s fierce out there, but in the end, we all shake hands and are mates, so all is good.”
Jordan excelled in the aerial battles and posed a constant threat throughout the match.
Rieko Ioane of the Blues reacts after the loss. Getty
The Crusaders withstood significant pressure on their goal line between the 46th and 51st minutes before relieving the tension with a series of scrum penalties.
The Blues were compelled to utilise hooker Ricky Riccitelli at loosehead after depleting their resources among the props.
After a stretch of eight consecutive penalties within the Blues’ 22m area, Jordan secured what proved to be the match-winning try with an astute ruck put-down.
Will Jordan of the Crusaders celebrates after dotting down a try. Getty
Despite the Blues throwing everything they had at the Crusaders to revive their title defence, they couldn’t manage to score again.
“That was pure pride,” Jordan reflected.
“Several players must’ve made 10 or 15 tackles in that final five or ten minutes. The Blues are a formidable side, champions in their own right, and they demonstrated that tonight. We just managed to hold on.”
Ethan Blackadder of the Crusaders charges forward. Getty
The Blues just barely made it into the playoffs in sixth place after surprising the minor premier Chiefs last weekend to progress.
“We started strongly, but we allowed them to come back into the game, and they were effective at what they do best around their set piece,” Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu commented.
“On top of that, we were rather undisciplined, which allowed them to gain the upper hand.”
The Crusaders have previously claimed six titles in Christchurch finals.
Final Score: Crusaders 21 (Will Jordan 2, Tom Christie tries; Rivez Reihana 3 con) Blues 14 (Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane tries; Beauden Barrett 2 con)
– with AP
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