Todd Blackadder called the performance "average" and "inaccurate", but the Crusaders picked up valuable competition points with their 23-13 victory over the Lions in Johannesburg yesterday.
Another piece of good news for the Crusaders' coach was the fact All Black Dan Carter, starting his first game of the season after recovering from a serious groin injury, came through 60 minutes unscathed. While he was rusty and did not take a shot at goal - Tom Taylor was given the kicking responsibilities - his inside pass put Zac Guildford over for his first try of the season, allowing the Crusaders to take a foothold in the match.
Fellow wing Sean Maitland scored the Crusaders' other try when he chased a perfectly weighted Israel Dagg grubber to give the visitors the lead after halftime, an advantage they did not relinquish.
Carter made his comeback last week in the second half against the Cheetahs and yesterday was replaced by Ryan Crotty, Taylor moving in one to first-five.
Although he is by no means at the top of his game, Carter's value could be seen even in the way he marshalled his teammates on defence, one aspect of the game where the Crusaders did perform well. The scrum and lineout could be added to that list but the handling was appalling at times - although both teams were guilty of that - despite the dry conditions at Ellis Park.