The 2023 Tremendous Rugby Pacific last had all of the depth of a Check match, and a throwback to New Zealand rugby at its hardest, writes MARK KEOHANE.
On Saturday, the Crusaders claimed a seventh straight title with a 25-20 victory over the Chiefs in Hamilton on Scott Robertson’s swansong.
The Chiefs led 20-15 early within the second half, however the Crusaders, the defending champions, fought again with Codie Taylor grabbing a transformed strive earlier than Richie Mo’unga slotted a late penalty for the win.
Sixteen present All Blacks featured within the decider, which was Robertson’s final match with the Crusaders earlier than leaving to educate the Kiwi nationwide workforce, and in his TimesLIVE columnKeohane suggests the “bruising contest” is an ominous signal for the Springboks.
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“This was a throwback to New Zealand rugby at its hardest. Gamers scrapped for possession of each collision, Chiefs No 8 Luke Jacobson made some monster tackles and flyhalves Damian McKenzie and Mo’unga performed as generals of their assault,” he writes.
“This was a last that performed out dramatically, just like the URC last in Cape City, the High 14 last in Paris and the Champions Cup last in Dublin. This was the very best towards the very best within the competitors and what received the Crusaders the title was self-discipline and a purposeful lineout, through which they’d greater than 20 throws.
“The place the All Blacks have been susceptible previously few years is the again 5 of the pack, however lock Sam Whitelock confirmed there was nonetheless fireplace in that veteran stomach of his and he, [Brodie] Retallick and Scott Barrett confirmed higher presence and menace than I’ve seen from them for some time.
“There may be edge to New Zealand rugby once more. The Boks be warned.”
Full column
Photograph: Tremendous Rugby web site
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Printed : 2023-06-25 05:37:40
