Ioane Moananu and James O'Connor of the Crusaders celebrate. Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
Analysis - Did we just see this year's two most likely finalists play out two very contrasting wins over the long weekend? While a few other sides may have something to say about it, the Chiefs and Crusaders have swapped places at the top of the ladder and right now look destined for a showdown in June.
It is somewhat ironic that the Crusaders inevitable return to form is providing a lot of the heated drama this year, given that they were so good at hosing it down during their seven-season win streak. But their 25-22 win over the Blues on Friday was as good watch as any game, despite the challenging conditions at Apollo Projects Stadium.
Former Wallaby James O'Connor is having such an impact that there's serious talk of him gaining a recall for the upcoming British & Irish Lions series, as well as some slightly more tongue-in-cheek suggestions that NZ Rugby explore an eligibility switch for the 34-year-old first five. O'Connor's late penalty iced the result for the Crusaders as time expired, making him the most popular Australian rugby figure in Christchurch since Robbie Deans.
Crusaders coach Rob Penney has been quick (perhaps a little too quick) to point out the toll injuries had on their disastrous campaign last year, but the depth that he has at his command right now is showing that isn't far off the mark. For example Kyle Preston, who scored a hat trick on debut in round one, is now looking like he'll stay on the bench behind Noah Hotham. Penney's second row options mean he can safely rest All Black captain Scott Barrett. David Havili was taken off at halftime of the Blues game and seamlessly replaced by Dallas McLeod.
Meanwhile, Vern Cotter was forced to debut Hamdahn Tuipulotu with 10 minutes to go, a tough assignment for the prop against a fired up Crusaders pack. The Blues were duly shunted back to provide O'Connor for his heroics.
The Chiefs only waited till just after halftime to secure their 46-10 victory over the Highlanders, though. Clayton McMillan's side has been the best at flicking the kill switch when they need to this season, scoring twice quickly to leave the Highlanders wondering how they went from three to 17 points down in the blink of an eye.
One main point to come out of that game was the form of the two Chiefs wingers. Leroy Carter is looking like he could play test match rugby already, and while Emoni Narawa already has, his expanded skill set on defence was exceptional on Saturday night. With news of Mark Tele'a's imminent departure coming during the week, the All Black wing spots are very much up for grabs and Scott Robertson could do a lot worse than considering the men from the Chiefs.
Big setbacks for Moana, Canes
For all the good feelings around Moana Pasifika so far this season, they unfortunately reverted back to their previous seasons' vintage in their 24-0 loss to the Brumbies in Pukekohe. Yes, it was a wet and difficult track to play on, but Tana Umaga's side seemed completely bereft of ideas on attack and were pulled apart at the set piece by the efficient Australians.
This is the second time this year they've looked like a different side without Ardie Savea, but unlike against the Chiefs, there was no stirring second half comeback.
Even though they didn't lose, the Hurricanes will probably be feeling even more frustrated after their at times bizarre 17-all draw against the Force in Perth. It felt like both teams were desperately trying to find ways to lose, with the Canes losing three players to HIAs, bombing a certain try and duffing a last play drop goal from in front.
Meanwhile, up in Churchill Park, the most inevitable result of the weekend took place. The Drua don't lose in Lautoka, while the Waratahs don't win anywhere except in Sydney. So while the Fijians are currently last and the Tahs fifth, it came as no surprise at all that the Drua won 28-14 in another sweat-soaked and exhausting encounter.
