Ioane Moananu didn't join the Crusaders 'to wait around'

Another barnstorming performance from young Crusaders hooker Ioane Moananu caught plenty of eyes over the weekend, with the 24-year-old’s contribution a key factor in the Crusaders’ big win over the Blues.

Set-piece accuracy, breakdown nous and a couple of clearance kicks were the highlights of Moananu’s performance, and came as a welcomed relief to fans after All Black Codie Taylor was ruled out only as the team left Christchurch.

The chance to start has also come about after fellow Crusaders and All Blacks hooker George Bell suffered a season-ending foot injury in round one.

Having two All Blacks hookers to learn from, both on and off the field, is sure to set any aspiring player up well. Moananu says Taylor has been especially generous with his time.

“Oh man, he’s been so good. Just the knowledge he has of the game, and how willing he is to help us younger boys, to help us come through and give us as much knowledge… It’s so unreal, it’s honestly so good to have him,” the hooker told Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB after the win.

“(George) Belly as well, having two All Blacks hookers to learn off is so good.”

Competing for selection against an All Blacks stalwart, and what was at that time an All Black in waiting, didn’t intimidate the hooker when a Crusaders contract was put on the table.

On the contrary, the challenge seemed to excite the Aucklander, and his performances of late have “one hundred per cent” further invigorated his drive for more minutes, regardless of who he’s competing with.

“Playing the two jersey is something I’ve really enjoyed. Something I said when I came down is I’m not just here to be here and wait around; I’m here to challenge the boys and play and train as well. I know if I get better, then the boys are getting better as well, and that’s better for the team.”

Also helping Moananu develop, and key to his recruitment south in the first place, was Crusaders forwards coach Dan Perrin, a former hooker himself. Perrin landed plenty of praise from the youngster for his guidance both and and off the field.

Moananu also offered a “big ups to our lineout callers as well, calling the right options, calling the easy options!”

A 47th-minute lineout steal saw Moananu receive the ball in his own 22. Recognising the opportunity of space downfield, the hooker launched his second clearance kick of the evening, not only finding plenty of space, but chasing and winning the breakdown penalty.

“Man, I just knew it was off turnover ball, and there was no one at the back, so thought I’d just give it a good boot, see how far it can go.”

Player Turnovers Won

1

Ioane Moananu

2

2

Caleb Clarke

1

3

Sam Nock

1

The Eden Park win was especially meaningful for the dynamic Counties Manukau front-rower, having grown up watching his heroes compete on that very field.

“I’m originally from Auckland, so I used to love watching Kevin Mealamu. He was one of my idols growing up, and I used to love watching the way he played, around the field, how agile he was and how fast he played.

“Growing up, and now seeing Codie work, it’s motivational.”