Stormers lose to classy Crusaders

 

There is an amazing piece of statistic attached to this game. The two teams have identical track records in their last five games – win-lose-win-lose-win.

That means the cycle will be broken for both … even if there is a draw. But most likely it will be a second consecutive win for the one and a second loss for the other.

But this game is not about statistics. It is all about what influence the Crusaders’ six returning, reconditioned All Blacks will have.

 

 

The Crusaders missed an opportunity to get the first points of the match as Daniel Carter missed a penalty kick for a Schalk Brits high tackle on Richard McCaw.

 

Carter allowed the Crusaders to take the lead in the 16th minute of the game when he slotted a penalty for the Crusaders.

 

Peter Grant then levelled the scores with a penalty for the Stormers in the 20th minute.

 

It took the Crusaders about 25 minutes to find their rythmn and when they did Scott Hamilton broke on the wing taking Casey Laulala with him and Laulala scored the first try of the match. Daniel Carter converted and the Crusaders led by 10 points.

 

In the 33rd minute Rico Gear picked up a Daniel Carter chip kick and ran on to score the Crusaders 2nd try of the match. Carter converted.

 

Once the Crusaders found their rythmn they looked just like the Crusaders of days gone by, dominating the opposition.

 

Half time score was Crusaders 17 Stormers 3

 

The Stormers got the perfect start to the second half when De Wet Barry scored their first try of the match. Peter Grant was unable to add the conversion.

 

The Stormers came out a different side and have answered their critics. Peter Grant kep the momentum going with a penalty.

 

The Crusaders soon managed to stem the Stormers revival and Dan Carter slotted two penalty goals to put the Crusaders 12 points ahead again.

 

The Crusaders attacked again and once they were in the Stormers 25 the Stormers gave away a penalty but saved the try. Carter slotted another penalty to extend the lead.

 

Schalk Burger gives away another penalty for lifting in the tackle and gets a warning. The Crusaders opt for the lineout and win the ball but the Stormers defence held strong.

 

A brief session of sloppy play sees the Crusaders turn the ball over and a break involving McCaw and Jack sees the ball swung out to Leon MacDonald on the wing as he scores the Crusaders third try but it is not converted.

 

The Stormers Jean de Villiers looked to have scored a try in the last minutes but a penalty was given instead. After the penalty bith teams turned the ball over and then over again but Rico Gear scored a bonus point try after the siren to secure the extra point for the Crusaders.

 

Full report to follow.

 

Full time score Crusaders 36 Stormers 11

 

Tries – Casey Laulala,Rico Gear (2),Leon MacDonald

Penalties – Daniel Carter (4)

Conversions – Daniel Carter (2)

 

Tries – De Wet Barry

Penalties – Peter Grant (2)

Conversions –

Teams:

Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Scott Hamilton, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andrew Ellis, 8 Mose Tuiali’i, 7 Richard McCaw, 6 Reuben Thorne, 5 Chris Jack, 4 Ross Filipo, 3 Campbell Johnstone, 2 Corey Flynn (c), 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ti’i Paulo, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Michael Paterson, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Kevin Senio, 21 Stephen Brett, 22 Johnny Leo’o

Stormers: 15 Brent Russell, 14 Breyton Paulse, 13 Jean de Villiers, 12 De Wet Barry, 11 Dylan Des Fountain, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Bolla Conradie, 8Justin Melck, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Luke Watson (captain), 5 Francois Van Der Merwe, 4 Ross Skeate, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 JD Moller
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Schalk Ferreira, 18 Gerrie Britz, 19 Andries Bekker, 20 JP Joubert, 21 Naas Olivier, 22 Gio Aplon

Referee: Brett Bowden (Australia)
Touch judges: George Ayoub (Australia), Pollock (New Zealand)
Television match official: Josh Noonan (New Zealand)
Assessor: Alan Riley (New Zealand), Lusanda Menze (South Africa)