Crusaders vs. Force Match Report: Super Saturday Showdown

It was a super sunny Saturday afternoon in Christchurch for Super Rugby’s Kids Round, with the Crusaders showcasing their fresh Iron Man Marvel kit. The first half was a tit-for-tat battle, but the Crusaders eventually put their foot down in the second half to secure a decisive victory. 

The Force got on the board and scored early points off a Crusaders penalty, making it 0-3 in the first 2 minutes.  

Not long after however, off a Force lineout steal, Codie Taylor made a break and slung it wide for Will Jordan, who fed Macca Springer for his first try of the season, making it 5-3. The Force hit back immediately off the reset, taking the lead to 5-8. 

Braydon Ennor, back in his first game in 18 months, showcased his off-season work and speed, making a break and putting in a kick for Springer, who dotted down for his second try of the afternoon. 10-8. 

The Force capitalized on some Crusaders penalties, taking the score to 10-11.  

The Crusaders quickly transitioned into their expansive style of rugby, working it wide to the wings and capitalizing on the Force committing players to the breakdown. Macca sent Sevu Reece a bullet pass, who quickly shifted the momentum taking it to the try line for his first try of the match, making it 15-11. 

The Force didn't back down, once again capitalizing on Crusaders penalties and taking an early tap to score and take the lead 15-18. The Crusaders responded with a scrum, and David Havili made a good break, sending Sevu in for his second try of the afternoon. Crusaders headed into the sheds at half time with a small lead of 20-18.  

In the second half, the Crusaders extended their lead with a hat trick from Macca Springer, one try from Sevu Reece, and another from Will Jordan. James O’Connor showed his knack with the boot, adding successful conversions to each of the tries.  

Codie Taylor was given a break for the second half, with Ioane Moananu making an instant impact at hooker. Xavier Saifoiloi became the newest Crusader, and he made his debut this afternoon as Crusader number 297. 

Western Force hung in the match, with late second half tries to Captain Jeremy Williams and Harry Potter, bringing the final score to 55-33. 

Captain David Havili finished the game feeling satisfied, saying, “it was a great performance that I’m really happy with. It was also really great to keep the ball rolling in the game this afternoon and get a couple of wins under our belt before we head to Auckland to take on the Blues next week. And yeah, definitely, the crowd were fantastic”. 

Another excellent high-scoring afternoon of rugby in sunny Christchurch saw the Crusaders finish up Round 5 of Super Rugby with a 55-33 victory over the Western Force. Next week, the boys head to Auckland to take on the Blues. Back at home against Moana Pasifika in Round 7, tickets are available here