IALT: Write about the Crusaders amazing comeback to defeat the Highlanders 30-27.
An amazing 77th minute try by Seta Tamanivalu gave the Crusaders an advantage to take possession of the game before the fulltime siren went. The visitors shocked the crowd by scoring three tries in the final 15 minutes and earn a win that had appeared unlikely for the entire match. It wasn't just that the Crusaders were trailing way behind, 21 points, but after those three tries that were scored by the Highlanders and gave them a 27-6 lead, they Highlanders collapsed under the weight if unrelenting pressure from the opposition and shipped 24 unanswered points in the final half hour.
The Crusaders formed a formidable opposition-there was no doubt about that- but the four tries they scored in order for them to win the match were indicative of an opposition wilting under the strain. Which is rather a typical of the recent vintage of Highlanders, who won a title and backed that up with another playoff appearance by grinding out games they allowed opposition to dominate.
As usual, the southern side were content throughout the game to allow the Crusaders to string together multiple phrases. They kicked consistently and contested well in the air. And they tackled with real menace to force timely turnovers and prevent the opposition from threatening to find the line in the first half. And, when they did have their hands on the ball, the Highlanders produced moments of real quality size to seize command of the match.
The first, from a lineout, saw Waisake Naholo slip an inside ball for substitute Gareth Evans to race clear and score the game's first try. The second, from a scrum, was finished by the wing himself, collecting a clever Aaron Smith grubber while making the most of a friendly bounce and some anonymous defence.
But all the pressure they were being forced to face gradually its toll, as a number of infringements in their own 22 allowed the Crusaders back into the contest. A penalty try - automatically seven points under the new rules - gave the visitors some hope and that increased when David Havili crossed in the corner.The Highlanders were suddenly sweating and a yellow card to Malakai Fekitoa only added to their nerves. And they were soon proven right to worry, as Whetu Douglas pulled the Crusaders within two points before Tamanivalu landed the dagger blow.
Overall, I think that the Crusaders showed some really good resilience and never gave up, you see when you try your best and never give up you can get something very special and for the Crusaders their special thing was their win over the Highlanders. The thing that impressed me the most was that the Crusaders were trailing 17-6 at halftime, but with their precise plans of defense and offense they managed to pull off the win.
The Highlanders did a great job of defending their line but the Crusaders out maneuvered the Highlanders and managed to score a try that put them in the lead just before the fulltime siren went. My uncle Siua Halanukonuka played in the game but for the Highlander side. He plays at tighthead prop and his number was 3. I hope to see him next time when the Highlanders face another team, and at that time hopefully pull off the win.
I enjoyed writing about this article because one of my family members were included by sadly his team lost. A challenge I found was not being able to witness the Highlanders win.
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