Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Watch: Shannon Frizell dents Crusaders' Super Rugby Aotearoa title chances with explosive opening minute try

(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Not many have given the Highlanders much of a chance of doing the Blues and Hurricanes a favour in dispatching the Crusaders in Christchurch this weekend.

ADVERTISEMENT

The hosts were strong favourites leading into the South Island derby with the Super Rugby Aotearoa crown in reach.

Sitting atop of the table, the reigning Super Rugby champions needed just a win to clinch the title against fourth-placed Highlanders, who had only tasted success twice this season from six outings.

Video Spacer

Aaron Mauger speaks to media

Video Spacer

Aaron Mauger speaks to media

Playing in front of a packed house at Orangetheory Stadium, the hosts were understandably paying small money to bag the victory, but the Highlanders sent an early warning of intent.

While they have nothing left to play for in the domestic league, the Dunedin club started the game in manner that showed they weren’t there to simply make up the numbers.

That was reflected in the way their forward pack smashed their way through a limp Crusaders defence in the opening passage of play from the kick-off, which led to a monstrous try from in-form All Blacks loose forward Shannon Frizell.

The rapid start put the Highlanders at an early 7-0 advantage, keeping the Blues’ and Hurricanes’ faint title chances alive in doing so.

ADVERTISEMENT

It also drew an emphatic response from pundits on Twitter, who were quick to laud Frizell’s efforts throughout the first 40 minutes.

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

R
RedWarrior 52 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

8 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Borthwick, it's time to own up – Andy Goode Borthwick, it's time to own up – Andy Goode
Search