Zac Guildford scored two tries in Timaru last night. Photo / Getty Images
Due respect was paid to the contribution of his forwards but it was the performance of Zac Guildford that Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder labelled as the key difference.
The 22-year-old wing not only appeared in all manner of unusual places, he also reached top speeds no one else was able
to match.
"It was like he was sprinting and everyone else was jogging," said Blackadder. "Zac has just been unbelievable for us this year. He started the third week of the campaign and he has been on fire ever since. He has shown a lot of enthusiasm, he was looking for work and he was one of our top performers. I thought he was the difference tonight."
As well as Guildford played and as much as the Crusaders pack did to create the platform for the victory, the Crusaders know they were gifted two soft tries.
The first came when Andy Ellis was able to help himself to Blues' scrum ball and punt downfield for Matt Todd to eventually scramble over.
The second came just after the break when the Blues were caught without a halfback at the breakdown, allowing Kieran Read to steal the ball and make the try for Guildford.
Such moments are coach killers and Pat Lam couldn't hide his frustration.
"There was a lot of effort from both teams but we let in a couple of soft tries," said Lam. "There was a lot of attitude and effort, which is all I could ask for, but unfortunately we let in those two soft tries. That was the best we have played in the four weeks. That was what I was after. We just came up a bit short."
The Blues will now face the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday night with the Crusaders travelling to Wellington for a 'home' game against the Hurricanes.
With a one point buffer on the table, the advantage lies with the Crusaders, who will secure top spot if they win.
