Match report: Sevu Reece breaks try-scoring record as Crusaders hold on in southern derby
Friday night’s game against the Highlanders was a chance to raise awareness and talk about something bigger than rugby; the wellbeing of our friends, our fans and our families in Men’s Mental Health Round.
A ‘Moment Against Silence’ before kick-off allowed the crowd to turn to their mates and make as much noise as they could to help support our men. It was also a moment to recognise those who are struggling, and to let them know it’s ok to reach out.
Mitchell Drummond led the Crusaders out in his 150th game, in front of a sell-out Apollo Projects Stadium.
Dallas McLeod was named on the bench at 23 in his 50th Crusaders game.
The Highlanders got things underway with the kick-off which was claimed by Scott Barrett then a kicking battle began until David Havili received a downfield kick and sent Johnny McNicholl into contact.
A scrappy start of the match ensued until a Crusaders got a penalty and Rivez Reihana successfully slotted the kick from 35 meters out to give the home side a 3-0 lead after seven minutes.
A 50/22 from Reihana, unbeknown to him at the time, set Sevu Reece up to become the Super Rugby all-time top try scorer.
The Highlanders were penalised for an illegal steal on the ground and a quick tap from Reece allowed the Crusaders to edge closer to the line.
In the most unpredictable fashion, Reece found himself at the back of the ruck and grabbed the ball and buried his head into the defence and dove for the line. The on field decision was a no try, but after a look from the TMO, the try was awarded.
Although rather anticlimactic, Reece scored his 66th Super Rugby try, and surpassed TJ Perenara’s all-time Super Rugby try scoring record.
Reihana’s conversion gave the home side a 10-0 lead.
After a scoreless 30 minutes, the Highlanders had a chance to get themselves on the board with a penalty kick, but Taine Robinson’s kick bounced off the left post which Havili collected and cleared.
Robinson then sent a kick through to the right to set up Jonah Lowe who was flying towards the line but was taken down by Macca Springer just meters out.
The Highlanders then finally get rewarded with a try from Jonah Lowe right before halftime.
A missed conversion made the halftime score 10-5 to the Crusaders.
Eight minutes into the second half, the Highlanders had another chance to put points on the board with a penalty. Taine Robinson attempt went out to the left and the score remained 10-5 to the home side.
That was until Folau Fakatava had an impressive one-handed offload to Taine Robinson who scored and converted his own try to put the visitors ahead 10-12.
The Highlanders had a chance to extend their lead with a penalty, but Cam Millar’s attempt from halfway went left.
Tamaiti Williams put the home side back in front when he picked the ball up from the base of the ruck and powered towards the line in what had already been a mammoth performance from the tighthead.
With a three-point lead for the Crusaders and nearing on 80 minutes, tensions were high as the Highlanders were on attack and getting closer to their tryline.
In the dying seconds, the Highlanders were awarded a penalty, tasking Cam Millar with a penalty kick to win the game.
A sigh of relief was felt right around a sold-out Apollo Projects Stadium when the kick went left and meant the Crusaders grasped onto their three-point lead.
Head Coach Rob Penney says there was a lot of effort and courage shown by his side, but the accuracy wasn’t there, and they were inconsistent.
“There is lots of energy going in from our boys, but we have to give credit to the Highlanders. Pressure makes teams inconsistent, and they definitely gave it to us tonight.
“I’m rapt for Drummy and Dallas, to celebrate their 150th and 50th Crusaders games tonight, it was a very special day.”
Speaking to media post-match, Sevu Reece says his record-breaking try is a bit of a relief.
“I would have loved a nice dive in the corner or a runaway, but a try is a try, and I’ll take it. Especially here in Christchurch in front of my family and the fans, you can’t beat it.”
Final score: Crusaders 15 Highlanders 12