The Crusaders’ decisive 39-0 victory against the Melbourne Rebels in Christchurch on Friday sent them back on the winning track in Super Rugby Pacific.
As a result of moving up from the bottom of the table, head coach Rob Penney and his team will be relieved. This was only their second victory in nine games this season.
Victory coincides with captain’s return
After missing the majority of the season due to a finger injury, captain Scott Barrett of the defending Super Rugby winners made his comeback at the same time as the team’s victory.
With Christian Lio-Willie leading the way with a brace and Cullen Grace, Owen Franks, Sevu Reece, and Johnny McNicholl also crossing the whitewash, the Crusaders outscored their unfortunate opponents by six tries to none.
Franks, an All Blacks Test centurion and seasoned tighthead prop, scored a try at Super Rugby for the first time since 2010, making his five-pointer particularly significant.
The Crusaders’ forwards should get a lot of credit for this outcome because they played a pivotal role in their triumph with their outstanding lineout and scrummaging work.
Despite dominating the territory and possession stakes, they only had a 10-0 lead at halftime, and their play was still rife with handling errors, thus their total performance was far from flawless.
Crusaders defeat Melbourne Rebels by a bonus point thanks to Scott Barrett’s comeback.
After the break, they took charge of the situation, and Barrett acknowledged his satisfaction with the side’s performance.
After the game, he remarked, “I’m certainly pleased with the way the boys turned up tonight.” “Over the past few weeks, there have been some hurtful remarks and some harsh words this week.”
“However, it was satisfying to watch the boys step up and deliver such a powerful performance.”
All Blacks centre also back in action
In addition to Barrett, All Blacks centre David Havili made a comeback to the game early in the second half, replacing Dallas McLeod following his recovery from a calf injury.
The Crusaders will fancy their prospects of making the playoffs now that some of top international players are returned from injury, and Barrett wants the team to improve on their performance against the Rebels.
Barrett remarked, “I think the forward pack’s starting to get into their work.” “Tonight’s scrum was excellent.
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