KEY POINTS:
The Crusaders bounced back in the manner of champions to hammer the Cheetahs 49-28 in classy Super 14 rugby performance at Bloemfontein this morning (NZT).
Stung by a listless loss to the Lions last weekend, the titleholders were back to their all-purpose best at Vodacom Park, scoring six tries against one of the form teams in the early rounds of the competition.
There were doubles for winger Caleb Ralph and fullback Scott Hamilton, while Cheetahs No 8 Darron Nell also bagged a brace although his team did most of their scoring late in the game ensuring the scoreline flattered them.
The Crusaders had cleared out to a 20-11 lead at halftime and stretched it to 42-14 with 20 minutes remaining before the hosts launched a futile recovery.
It was appropriate that electric Crusaders first five-eighth Stephen Brett should round out the scoring in the final minute, pouncing on a loose ball and dashing 50m to score. His conversion gave him 24 points for a game in which he provided some brilliant moments with ball in hand.
His combination with second five-eighth Rua Tipoki was seamless, giving their outsides the sort of space needed to cut capers.
Yet it was the Crusaders' famed defence which laid the groundwork for victory, keeping their bigger opponents at bay with aggressive driving play at the breakdown and tackling.
Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis said his team were delighted to turn on the sort of performance they knew they were capable of.
"The guys are all pleased because that's the kind of rugby that we want to play," Ellis said.
"It was a pretty frustrating time last week, not finishing like we should have.
"The outside backs haven't had a lot of chances, it's great to see them getting plenty of ball and finishing."
Ellis said the loss at Johannesburg had focused the minds in the leadup.
"We spoke a lot about our attitude and what it means to be a Crusader, we didn't want to let anyone down and it really focused a lot of the boys.
"The way we took it to them was superb. The attitude is set by defence, there was no way they would get an easy try or anything like that."
Crusaders medical staff reported no injury problems and they were confident winger Rico Gear would be fit to face the Sharks next week after missing today with a shoulder niggle.
The Crusaders' stuttering start to the season appeared set to continue as the Cheetahs opened up an 11-3, helped by Nell's first try.
A neat pass from Tipoki put centre Casey Laulala racing clear for the Crusaders' first try in the 21st minute, followed by a Brett penalty to give them a lead that would expand quickly as they scored 39 points in 38 minutes.
Veteran winger Ralph scored his tries either side of halftime and Hamilton followed with his own double soon afterwards, the second a 90m counter-attack sparked by a slick Tipoki pass off a Cheetahs turnover.
Nell bagged his second try and first five-eighth Herkie Kruger crossed to add to an earlier dropped goal but victory was never a chance for the Cheetahs, who are joined by the Crusaders on two wins from four.
The Crusaders face the Sharks in Durban next weekend while the Cheetahs host the winless Chiefs.
Crusaders 49 (Caleb Ralph 2, Scott Hamilton 2, Casey Laulala, Stephen Brett tries; Brett 3 pen, 5 con) Cheetahs 28 (Darron Nell 2, Herkie Kruger tries; Meyer Bosman 2 pen, 2 con, Kruger dropped goal). Halftime: Crusaders 20-11.
- NZPA
