George Whitelock and Andy Ellis of Crusaders leaving the field after defeating Lions during the Super Rugby match between Lions and Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images.
Opinion
Confession time. I didn't for one minute think the Crusaders would beat the Lions last weekend.
An appalling error rate and the absence of skipper Kieran Read combined with the Lions significant home altitude advantage and a goal kicking sharp shooter in the shape of Marnitz Boshoff- this group of
un-caped Crusaders weren't exactly looking like supermen heading into the match. But win it they did.
It wasn't the perfect performance, but then there's no such thing. Perhaps the 96-19 demolition of the Waratahs in 2002 was the closest thing I've seen to a flawless night out.
The Crusaders arguably more so an any other New Zealand franchise have a long history of embracing their South African roadie. They enjoy getting away from the NZ rugby bubble and they openly talk up their prospects. However, 2008 was the last time they had a 100% strike rate on their African sojourn.
The old cliche about Super Rugby not being won in February and March will always ring true. Written off early on, the Crusaders have traditionally always found ways to stride forth to the play-offs leaving the early season headline grabbers in their wake.
