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'It's costing us': David Havili on where the Crusaders are struggling at the moment
By Ben Smith
Crusaders captain David Havili had a simple message for his side after the ventured into unfamiliar territory with an 0-5 start to the Super Rugby Pacific season.
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He wants the team to stay positive and keep moving forward after falling 26-6 to the Blues at Eden Park.
On what went wrong in the loss to their strongest rivals, Havili was open about the handling that has plagued the Crusaders as the set-piece fell apart again.
“Just too many knock-ons, couldn’t really build any pressure, and a settled Blues team make you pay for it,” Havili told Sky Sport NZ.
The Crusaders ended with 40 per cent possession and just 39 per cent territory as the Blues camped deep inside the Crusaders’ half for the second stanza.
A disastrous line out won just 47 per cent of their own throws as the Crusaders couldn’t get their attack launches going.
In the end the had to make a whopping 202 tackles compared to the 82 made by the Blues, while they missed a staggering 44 tackles as the weight took its toll.
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Havili has frank about the fifth straight loss being a reality check for the Crusaders as they fight for their season.
“Yeah for sure, we are having those tough convos, it’s making sure we apply that out on the field. We are not doing that at the moment,” Havili said.
“The efforts there, it’s just those big moments we can’t really execute at the moment. It’s costing us.”
The importance of having the right energy would help the side turn around the results.
“Just stay positive. It’s a great group of boys, they really turn up for each other,” Havili said.
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“Work hard and that’s what we’ve got to do next week.
“It doesn’t get any easier for us with a tough Chiefs side coming up.
“We’ve just got to keep looking forward and keep moving forward.”
They host the Chiefs up next as they look to climb off the bottom of the ladder. After the Western Force beat the Reds, the Crusaders will officially be the last side to register a win in 2024.
Have to feel for them. They are putting in huge effort. Not too far away from success. They are picking themselves off the canvas and adjusting themselves at the moment. Learning on the job is tough and surprising given their oft spoken about resources. Having razor distracted last year did not help him forsee this situation and resource sufficiently? Either way they will not go away and will keep hanging in there until they nail it. Not this season I reckon. Next one maybe. But they will be back at some stage.