The Crusaders are not a team that forgives mistakes by the opposition. They hurt teams who turn the ball over and they keep possession for long periods, forcing more mistakes.

The Chiefs dropped too much ball, made too many bad line out throws and were too inaccurate at rucks.

They had opportunities and made breaks but a lacked focus and discipline when it counted. An alarming theme that is relevant to the Hurricanes as well.

Broader issue – can a New Zealand team win the Super 14?

At this stage, the answer is no – I have not seen a team who are capable of winning at Loftus and that’s what will be needed.

Canterbury are building but they were vulnerable at times in this match.

Brad Thorne

All Black hard man, Brad Thorne

Two of New Zealand rugby’s hard men were opposing each other in Chief’s hooker Aled De Malmanche and Crusader’s lock, Brad Thorne.
Both men are all muscle and commitment. They will be key to All Black success at the World Cup on 2011. The tight 5 is a place for hard men and the way New Zealand rugby has developed, there are more athletes than there are tough guys. But when it comes down to wire – when the huge South African pack are standing in the way of World Cup glory, we must have men who can knock them over.

De Malmanche will need to work on his lineout throwing. This is the only area of his game that needs work but as a Hooker, it is the most important.

Crusaders Halfback, Kahn Fotoualii

Kahn Fotoualii had a great game for the Crusaders. He scored their first 2 tries and dominated a lot of the early play. He has a crisp pass and takes his moments well. He created the Crusaders’ second try taking the blind side from a Chiefs’ turnover. He passed nice and early to Jared Payne so that he had options to left and right. With only one defender and it was Fotoualii who benefitted, backing up on his inside.

With more game time, he may just feature in World Cup plans. His performance puts real pressure on coach Todd Blackadder when Andy Ellis comes back from a minor injury.

Stephen Donald

Stephen Donald, back on track

Stephen Donald came back well after a poor night with the boot last week.

He took out 2 defenders to create a try for Richard Kahui after Colin Bourke made a break up the middle.

He made the kick that got them the bonus point.

He gave the Chiefs a chance to score with 5 minutes to go with a massive drop-kick that bounced out on the Crusaders 5 metre line.

The Crusaders loose trio played very well together.

Mcaw was on the blindside with George Whitelock at 7 and Keiran Reid at 8. They are not flamboyant but work extremely hard and operate smoothly as a unit. Canterbury always operate with clearly understood game plans.

The Franks brothers give good accounts of themselves.

Owen Franks

The Crusaders are well served by the Franks brothers

These guys are very honest. Good work rate around the paddock, ability to play both sides and solid in scrums – almost tailor-made for the Crusaders.

Tasman are an up and coming NPC union and their rise is off the back of the likes of Owen Franks and Fotoualii. They set high standards and the rest of the team follows.

Chiefs scrum not quite there

I think the Chiefs are missing James McGoogan. McGoogan has a niggling neck injury. It is frustrating him as he is back to full running fitness but necks are not this kinds of things you want to go into a game when they are less than 100% – especially if you are a prop.

Nathan White may be the next cab off the rank but he is just a little weak.

If Sonny Bill were to come back, he should play for Canterbury

Their playing style suits backs so he would get opportunities. He would get the support of his outsides and loose forwards. He could really shine.

Personally, I’d like to see him play Sevens but in Super 14, I’d pick the Crusaders for the obvious reasons.