Rugby: Alarm bells ring loud at Crusaders

The Crusaders lost against the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

What has happened to the Crusaders?

They're traditionally slow starters in Super Rugby but losses to the Rebels and the Chiefs - with an unconvincing win over the Highlanders mixed in - may have some alarm bells ringing in Christchurch.

Todd Blackadder's side have conceded a competition-worst nine tries, alongside the Force, and three of them have come from when the opposition has begun with the ball in their own half.

Given the Crusaders make their tackles at an acceptable 89 per cent success rate, one thinks that it's been freakish tries rather than poor systems which have let them down early in the season. Luckily for the Crusaders, they have a bye this week. The Crusaders also concede 17.3 turnovers a game, which is the most in Super Rugby.

Meanwhile, somebody's zero will have to go when the winless Blues and Lions square off in Albany on Saturday. The Lions average a competition-low four clean breaks per game, while the Blues - despite their poor results - are at the top of the bill with nine breaks a game, alongside the Waratahs.

The Lions also miss the least tackles (10) per game. Resolute defence will meet the line-breaking ability of the Blues. Something will have to give.

Loose forward Jerome Kaino, who made his 100th Super Rugby appearance during the weekend, has been at the forefront of the clean breaks.

The veteran has made 21 carries this season at an average of 6.1m per carry. He's also made three breaks. By contrast, Chiefs loosie Liam Messam has made 13 carries in two games at 4m per carry with no clean breaks.

Exciting outside back Charles Piutau has also been on fire for the Blues this season with four clean breaks. He has beaten 14 defenders in the competition, two ahead of closest rival Julian Savea, the bruising Hurricanes wing.

The 3-0 Hurricanes, who are hitting the rucks harder this season, can cool their jets with a bye this week after two wins in South Africa and beating the Force in Perth.

The numbers

4

The Hurricanes, Stormers, Chiefs and Cheetahs remain as the four unbeaten teams in the competition.

26.5

The Cheetahs have managed to win both of their early season games despite missing a competition-high 26.5 tackles per game.

76

The Melbourne Rebels operate their lineout with a shockingly low 76 per cent efficiency. By contrast, the Highlanders lead the pack with a 94 per cent success rate.

4.7

The Reds average a competition-low 4.7 offloads per outing, 13 less than the standard-setting Chiefs.

10

The Hurricanes average a league-leading 10 turnovers per game.