The Crusaders have secured their place in the Super Rugby Pacific final after a hard-fought 21-14 victory over the Blues. Coach Rob Penney praised the team's resilience and the management's patience for sticking with him despite a challenging previous season.
Penney Credits Crusaders' Patience
"I will put a wee shout out to the management," said Penney, acknowledging the pressure they faced last year. "They showed great courage in allowing me to have another one." He suggested that other teams could learn from this approach, emphasizing the value of trusting a coach to turn things around.
A Season of Redemption
After missing out on the playoffs last year, the Crusaders bounced back strongly this season, securing 11 regular season victories and ultimately defeating the Reds and the Blues in the playoffs. Penney, who took over from Scott Robertson in June 2023, is now on the verge of claiming his first Super Rugby title.
Blues Player Ratings: Disappointment After Defeat
While the Crusaders celebrated, the Blues were left to reflect on a disappointing performance. Here’s a look at some of their player ratings:
- Zarn Sullivan (7): Showed flashes of brilliance with sensational hands and good metres gained.
- Mark Tele'a (8): Scored and assisted, giving his all in his final game for the Blues.
- Rieko Ioane (6): Scored a crucial try in the first half but remained largely anonymous in the second.
- Beauden Barrett (7): Delivered another tactical kicking masterclass, but ultimately lacked the spark to push the Blues to victory.
The Crusaders will now face either the Brumbies in the final, hoping to extend their remarkable unbeaten run in playoff matches on home soil to 32 victories.