Damian McKenzie knows that if the Crusaders make a promise, they are unwilling to break it.
Prior to Crusaders 45‑23 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, the Crusaders had enough clues to realise the odds of winning the Super Rugby opener would be greatly enhanced if they created as much turbulence as possible for opposition first five‑eighth McKenzie.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson was satisfied with the job his men did on McKenzie, who, because he stood flat to challenge the defensive line, had to make quick decisions while men in red and black rushed up from all directions.
Studying the Stormers, and their first‑five Damian Willemse, is the Crusaders' next priority ahead of their next match against the South Africans in Christchurch on Saturday night.
The Stormers should have drawn with the Waratahs in Sydney, but botched a lineout and conceded a try to flanker Ned Hanigan to lose 34‑27 in the final seconds.
The signs are already extremely promising for the defending champions, the Crusaders.
The Crusaders will take on the Stormers at 6.35pm Saturday.
On Friday, the Blues will meet the Chiefs at 6.35 and the Reds face the Brumbies at 9pm.
The Sunwolves will take on the Rebels at 9pm Saturday.
On Sunday, Sharks face the Waratahs at 1.05am, the Bulls meet the Lions at 3.15am while the Hurricanes take on the Jaguares at 9.40am.
After round 2 of the Super Rugby competition, the Lions are leading the points table with 9 points, the Rebels at second with 5 points while the defending Champions, the Crusaders are 3rd with 5 points and the Stormers sit in fourth place also with 5 points.
Source: stuff.co.nz
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
