Blues to win by 5 over the Crusaders
Highlanders to win by 10 over the Hurricanes
Yet again, my predictions came to nothing as the increasingly unpredictable and competitive league reached its halfway point. The Crusaders continued their incredible home record with a resounding win over the Blues, whilst the the Hurricanes managed to beat the Highlanders in Wellington.
Crusaders vs Blues
The league leaders clashed in Christchurch for what was arguably the match of the tournament so far. It was a strong start from both sides, but the Blues took the opening points as wing Mark Telea scored in the 10th minute off a great pass from Otere Black. 0-7. However, Crusaders fly-half Richie Mo’unga secured two penalty kicks for his team and the two sides went in at half time- 6-7.
The low-scoring first half wasn’t replicated in the second though, as the fly-halves exchanged penalties shortly after the break. 9-10. In the 55th minute, following a long period of Blues attacking, the ball was shipped to centre Rieko Ioane who crashed over for the try, 9-15.
The turning point in the game came next, when Ioane’s opposite number Braydon Ennor charged down Black’s conversion, keeping the points deficit to just six. Then fly-half Mo’unga took a short ‘grubber’ kick off, which he collected and carried into the opposite 22′. The Blues struggled to deal with the pace of this attack, and Mo’unga gave a sublime pass to wing George Bridge who then passed inside to replacement 9 Mitch Drummond for the score (61′), sending the home crowd into raptures. Mo’unga converted and the scores stood at 16-15.
The home side weren’t done yet though, as a final burst of attacking in the 75th minute saw Mo’unga pop a sublime ball to Will Jordan (who came off the bench). The win was sealed- FT Crusaders 26-15 Blues.
The Crusaders superhuman ability to win games was displayed in this game, as they managed to beat an incredible Blues side despite being down at half time. An enthralling game of rugby and the return game at Eden Park is sure to be another thriller.
