Saturday, 7th April 2007 at 12:10 pm

Crusaders show their menace

Until this weekend’s round of games, the Blues had looked Super 14’s form team, Troy Flavell leading the Auckland side to some great results. But the return of the All Blacks was always going to be key to the complexion of the final log table, with the form of the full-strength Crusaders the key. And after 80 scintillating minutes against the Force, there’s little doubt that the defending champions are favourites to pick up another title.

The returning stars have made a definite impact - Dan Carter is rugby’s most sublime flyhalf, Richie McCaw’s workrate is astounding, Leon MacDonald’s play post-Japan remains superb (despite one or two early errors), and Rico Gear is one of rugby’s most lethal finishers. But it’s the complete team who provide such an inimidating opponent, with players like Mose Tuiali’i crucial to the Crusaders’ success.

And the 53-0 demolition of the Force - who were the leading Australian team going into the weekend, with John Mitchell’s side playing some excellent rugby - underlined just why the champions are watched by rugby’s neutrals as architects of some of the best play the game currently has on offer. Tough pack, quick forwards, an overall skill level that’s peerless in Super 14 - who wouldn’t be a rugby fan in Christchurch?