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Waratahs condemn the Crusaders to worst Super Rugby start since 2014
By AAP
The Waratahs have consigned the Crusaders to their worst Super Rugby season start in a decade with a shock 37-24 win over last year’s champions.
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NSW finally gave Australian rugby fans something to cheer about, with five-eighth Tane Edmed orchestrating the convincing victory on Saturday night at Melbourne’s AAMI Park, which is hosting all 12 teams over Super Round this weekend.
Coming on the back of their opening-round loss to the Chiefs, it’s the first time since 2014 that the Crusaders have lost their first two matches in an ominous sign for Rob Penney, who formerly coached NSW.
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He took over the most successful team in the competition’s history this year after being sacked by the Waratahs following their winless season in 2021.
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman had an inkling that his troops were up for something special, telling reporters after their final training run he wished he could have a bet on the $10 underdogs.
The @NSWwaratahs are on fire ?
They have a TWENTY-point lead over Crusaders with 13 left to play!#SuperRugbyPacific #SuperRound #VisitMelbourne #CRUvWAR pic.twitter.com/ggCuy8KDzR
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 2, 2024
But even he would have been surprised by the four-try haul, which trumped their 24-21 win over the Crusaders back in 2022 at Leichhardt Oval. The Crusaders scored after just 90 seconds with winger Macca Springer outflanking the opposition but the Waratahs refused to be rattled.
Halves Edmed and skipper Jake Gordon kept their Crusaders’ 20-year-old halves pairing of Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara guessing while the NSW forwards dominated the breakdown battle.
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After Hugh Sinclair scored their first try off a charge down, Edmed piled on the penalties before he slipped through the defence to put Harry Wilson over right on half-time for a 23-10 lead.
The Crusaders drew first blood in the second half with Sevu Reece bagging a second try in the 48th minute, but the Waratahs hit back when Edmed kicked the ball crossfield into the waiting arms of Triston Reilly.
Gordon then pounced on a loose ball and scooted away with the lead blowing out to 37-17. The Crusaders got a late try but it was the Waratahs night to celebrate.
I wouldn't be writing the Crusaders off yet,I think the Chiefs are looking awesome (clearly best 10 in competition),but an observation I just want to put out there.After watching Landers v Blues, (Landers could have won),are Landers greatly better than last year or are Blues possibly not as good as last yrar
Aotearoa , enjoy this situation while you can. Sort memories. We miss Richie Mo’unga not Dan Carter. 7 titles Richie Mo’unga while he was there. Genius.
missing Dan carter
Losing to an Ozzie franchise. Embarrassing…
Seriously , yet again Havali has a shocker, 3 errors that lead to trys, Good to see hes continuing his poor form of last 3 years including being shown up time & time again in International tests as well..Rob Penny is not a good coach, he had a poor record up North before landing this role..
that’s the reason he’s behind ioane barret alb and tupea
Guess the Crusaders' winning run of Super comps has to come to an end some time. The beginning of the end?
Hopefully not the end. Still plenty of talent there when their full squad is available but that halves pairing were not up to it. Burke and Reihana are miles ahead of Temara in skills and game management. Perhaps the loss will wake them up since they seemed “happy” with their loss to the Chiefs last week. Havili looked rusty and the forwards were not dominant. Warratahs played well though and it looks like the competition may be less predictable this year. A good thing. Edmed gives Schmidt plenty to think about.