Crusaders starting to regain mojo

 

The Crusaders defied the odds and expectations of many over the weekend in Cape Town by beating the highly ranked Stormers 19-14, without captain Kieran Read, Dan Carter and Israel Dagg they certainly sent a strong message to the other teams. 

The Crusaders juggernaut is coming back!

With many writing off the Red and Black machine, it was evident at the end of the match just how much the win meant to the team and the coaching staff. Todd Blackadder who is usually the picture of calm and zero emotions, triumphantly lifted his hands after his teams courageous efforts.

As Stormers captain Jean de Villiers said post match "we had a great 20 mins and then we went to bed". The chances were their for the Stormers however they just couldn't capitalise and score when it needed.

Sam Whitelock and Matt Todd were standouts in the forward pack with the Crusaders continually disrupting the Stormers formidable line outs, 4 in the first half, while Tyler Bleyendaal was on point with his tactical kicking game keeping the Stormers on the back foot.

Their patience on attack stifled the Stormers possession and more points probably should have been scored, with a couple of attacking plays well over the 15 phase mark.

The final three minutes was the deciding factor with the Stormers pushing hard down in the Crusaders defensive 22 and were looking to strike with a late try to seal the game. However the desperate and arduous defensive efforts of the Crusaders thwarted their attack and a last gasp tackle by Zac Guildford over the sideline was the nail in the Stormers coffin.

Another tough game is looming this week with the Sharks, however with the momentum starting to swing in their favour the Crusaders have every chance of pulling out another win and continue to climb towards a finals berth.