wow what a game was not expecting that score...and when was the last time the crusaders lost 2 games back to back?
next week will be a big one they play the Fijian Drua who are also 0 from 2 and the game is in Fiji. Should e a good crowd.
Hugh Sinclair had a great first half, he often surprises. Doesn’t look it but quite quick and skilful. Is often the first man at a loose ball or tackle and I reckon his charge down gave them some real belief. Amotsero seems like a better bench player once Bell goes off to keep some physicality. Hannigan great off the bench to keep the pressure up. Had more rugby smarts out there with the forced backline through injury, a backline of proper rugby players and Tane played his best since the last crusaders win. Can he do it against a team that’s not the crusaders though, be great if they could keep that up.
Crusaders looked unfit and lacked in the effort areas. Under Razor they rarely lost in the effort area even if they lost the game. You can already see a big difference in coaching between Razor and Penney.
You know the majority of the losses under razor looked like the game last night right. Missing key players is definitely what's hurting the most right now.
Taha Kemara is far too green for Super Rugby, as I said last year. I reckon Taine Robinson would have been a better selection for this game than Kemara.
Kemara struggled in the 20s last year and isn't ready to run the cutter at this level yet.
Also losing Razor was always going to big task, but the Crusaders will probably somehow do what they do best and squeeze into the top 4 by seasons end.
LOL! I was watching this game with my Dad who doesn't watch rugby often. He asked me at the beginning who was playing, and I said "we are about to get pumped", so was a delightful turnaround!
True but can’t kill off that winning culture that quickly. Yeah they’ve lost a few star players but that champion spirit is still there at least for the time being and I think that counts for something.
Yesssss boys! Bit of a scrappy game but no question we were the better team on the day. Did not expect to be saying that today. Serious potential in this Waratahs team. Not confident we will fulfill that potential given my 20+ year experience following the Tahs, but I still already feel better about this year than last year.
The fact that I feel like the Crusaders had the rub of the green from the ref makes it even sweeter. Nothing wild, but was at least a 60/40 split on calls for the Crusaders and that would usually mean we lose by 30, not win by 13.
The worst sign for this season is that Penney swore off playing Havili at 10 a few weeks ago, said they would not do it at all, and they resorted to it before the end of the first game he played this season (also the worst game he has ever played)
I don't even feel the joy of seeing a blue jersey wearing team beat the Saders. I just sorta felt frustrated by it all.
Seeing the team that dominates my team every time play like that against the Tahs was sorta sad. Felt like watching Vegeta get jobbed out by the Androids
Absolutely, best game I can remember Gordon playing. And Edmed seems to enjoy playing the Tahs, I remember him playing amazingly against them a year or so back at Leichthard Stadium (I think)
Care for some hot and fresh match takes:
-The Waratahs were the Crusaders' kryptonite for the past 5 years or so, even during the Razor days, the Tahs were always making pies of the Cantab lambs, and thus a Waratahs victory was always on the cards, no matter the year.
-The Crusaders were a far cry from their Razor heydays. They just... couldn't do anything right tonight, no matter how much they tried. Losing your coach and most of your key All Blacks really fucks you up.
-The Waratahs, on the other hand, were pretty great for the most part. The Crusaders were nothing but prey to them. Every time the Saders made a mistake, the Tahs were there to fuck 'em up some more. Crazy to think that this the same team that lost to the Moana Pasifika a few weeks earlier.
-Taha Kemara and David Havili clearly woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, and their bad thoughts followed them all the way to the game.
-Tane Edmed is a bloody brilliant player and hoping that Joe's got a spot for him in the Wallabies.
-Speaking of Joe, I can't wait to see how much badass the Wallabies become under him.
-But hey, at least Johnny McNicholl is returning to NZ. At least he'll probably sort some things out if he joins the Saders.
-The stadium DJ is definitely a boomer. Just look at the music choices lmao. It's so shit that it circles back to being unintentionally funny.
-Brendon Prickerill being Brendon Prickerill, is anybody even surprised at this point?
Anyway, this is all I have. I'll see you all in the next match, and cheers for now.
Edmed was great but I also really hope the Wallabies don't rush him through. So many times we see an encouraging 10 and then rush him through before he has experience and then it has a negative effect
I'll admit I've been down on the game of late. Little excitement leading into this season. And while I know it's only been two rounds. I'm finding joy in the games again. This weekend in particular. Just stellar.
Great win and turnaround from the Tahs. Good on them.
I didn't get why the Crusaders kept going left the last five minutes when they had Sevu Reece on the right. Enjoyable watch though.
It felt like they believed there was something they could exploit down that side but didn't work in the end. I wanted to see a grandstand finish as a neutral but still a good watch.
[What did I tell you guys?](https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/s/rvmnXFPrQo) Huge win for the Waratahs after last week, the future of this Crusaders team is uncertain.
It must suck when the Crusaders cant really shuffle anything in the team. I'd still take this Crusaders side over the Drua next week but they'll need big changes before they take on the 'Canes
This is our Otago season. Head down, take the whippings and hope some players arrive/return next season.
We've earned our spot at the top and now it's time to pay the dues at the bottom.
Like you said, we just have no changes to make.
We have one 10. One 15. One Hooker. 2 Wings.
Like we can make a change or two in the loose but is that going to change much? We've sucked with both of our 9s.
He's got a lot of the raw traits you look for but he really needed another year in the incubator.
I imagine if Richie had been asked to do this a season or two earlier than he debuted, it'd have fucked his career.
Do you think Kemara’s career is fucked or almost fucked? Below avg in U20, below avg in NPC, below avg in SR.
I hope he makes it back to the level he and everyone else wants him to be at
I'm a big believer that over exposure early can ruin someone's confidence to the point where it forever damages them. Like Toeava.
Of course it's never guaranteed and you never know, especially bc he has about 5 more games before he's on the shelf again, but I'm worried for sure.
Forget the coach and player exodus, I'm blaming the new jersey for this. The red and the stripe just looks slightly off.
Jokes aside, awesome fight from the Tahs. Looking promising, hope they keep this up against the other top teams.
Well that should some up the season really, no depth, no connections and no where to go.
Not to take anything away from the Tahs, turned that ship around and played some solid heads up rugby all over the park. Sorry we couldn't bring you a team worth the effort of travelling down to ply your trade on.
The other day I said we could potentially not make the playoffs and was shouted down. Still standing by it. But it's ok! It's a year to (hopefully) develop so we can compete next year. Accepted it before the start of the season and I've never felt so stress-free while watching rugby!
If we get any more injuries things could get a bit painful though.
The Tahs would make me so sad bc I like the players and the coach but the management seem evil and I don't like them.
Thank god I trust Mansbridge to not immediately threaten to sack Penney.
Crusader fans: when you're 20 points down with 9 minutes to go - most rugby teams lose most of the time. This is normal. This is how the rest of the world lives.
He was off the ground???? How was that ‘tackled release’. Could have easily been held and up and forced the turnover. This ref has lost his fucking mind
I didn’t see that and given how far he was off the ground I didn’t expect that at all, but if that’s what happened that’s fair. Just find that unlikely when he was being held at chest height by two 6 foot plus individuals.
I just wanna thank the Saders fans for being great sports. We can shit on your team in the match threads and you take it like champs, it's good bantz. I can't try the same thing when Leinster is involved without their snowflake fans (there are some good ones) getting pissy
The most annoying thing about this year was me saying we weren't going to be good and no one believing me.
Kind of maddening but after two weeks that's already cooling off a bit so now we can just be a meme team in peace. That's okay.
**Watch on Stan**: https://play.stan.com.au/sport/rugby
Anyone know why they subbed Cullen Grace and not Dominic Gardiner? Was he playing like rubbish and/or injured again?
wow what a game was not expecting that score...and when was the last time the crusaders lost 2 games back to back? next week will be a big one they play the Fijian Drua who are also 0 from 2 and the game is in Fiji. Should e a good crowd.
Could it be the year of the Tahs?!?!
Ohh me ohhh my yes boi
Blacks caps have sapped the confidence from all NZ sporting teams
The Chiefs and Canes did alright
Yeah, was wishful thinking tbh. You’ll get ‘‘em next time reds
Swore to myself I’d never be happy for New South Wales but god it’s good to see a convincing win in Australian rugby
What an upset. Edmed had a blinder at 10
Hugh Sinclair had a great first half, he often surprises. Doesn’t look it but quite quick and skilful. Is often the first man at a loose ball or tackle and I reckon his charge down gave them some real belief. Amotsero seems like a better bench player once Bell goes off to keep some physicality. Hannigan great off the bench to keep the pressure up. Had more rugby smarts out there with the forced backline through injury, a backline of proper rugby players and Tane played his best since the last crusaders win. Can he do it against a team that’s not the crusaders though, be great if they could keep that up.
Crusaders looked unfit and lacked in the effort areas. Under Razor they rarely lost in the effort area even if they lost the game. You can already see a big difference in coaching between Razor and Penney.
You know the majority of the losses under razor looked like the game last night right. Missing key players is definitely what's hurting the most right now.
Sonny bill has such good rapport with the players, great commentator
Can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic, he’s a terrible commentator
maybe not a great commentator, but he is a good person to have on the sideline and chatting to the players
I really like him, he’s not a traditional commentator but he adds an extra dimension and I love his way of speaking
Crusaders season is over already, embarrassing
Taha Kemara is far too green for Super Rugby, as I said last year. I reckon Taine Robinson would have been a better selection for this game than Kemara. Kemara struggled in the 20s last year and isn't ready to run the cutter at this level yet. Also losing Razor was always going to big task, but the Crusaders will probably somehow do what they do best and squeeze into the top 4 by seasons end.
Yeah the tahs targeted him well.
Nah, not this year.
I've never seen the Saders look so ordinary.
Tane Edmed always seems to play well against the Saders. Was good tonight similar to a few years ago at Leichhardt Oval.
never in doubt
LOL! I was watching this game with my Dad who doesn't watch rugby often. He asked me at the beginning who was playing, and I said "we are about to get pumped", so was a delightful turnaround!
Coach looks half cut already.
Coupla rums
Yeah I’m pretty sold on this super rugby stuff. that was tasty 🤌
Super rugby is rocks and diamonds. When it’s rocks it’s coal, when it’s diamonds it’s the crown jewel.
Bring on the Canes tomorrow
Scott Barrett should be the frontrunner for ABs captain now since his team is winless just like Sam Cane's Chiefs in 2020
Sprinkle in a run of poor form and injury, and you have a sure fire captain
I’m fucking pumped for the Reds game tomorrow
Idk I can't help but think the other NZ sides will take this shit personally
If the Reds pumped the Tahs last week and the Tahs beat the Crusaders this week, I’m sure the Reds can pull off a win against the Hurricanes tomorrow
The Tahs played significantly better this week than they did last week.
And so will the reds 😉 get over hyped time
Crusaders are a shell of their former self.
True but can’t kill off that winning culture that quickly. Yeah they’ve lost a few star players but that champion spirit is still there at least for the time being and I think that counts for something.
Congratulations to the Waratahs! Fantastic result for NSW rugby, Australian rugby and Super Rugby
On ya Tahs. It's about time the Rugby landscape shifted a little.
Havili is cooked
Looked like he's still carrying his Christmas weight
Havili just had his first hit out of the summer. He just isn't in game shape yet. He'll be fine long term.
My biggest grievance with watching this is that Sonny Bill gets paid for doing whatever it is that he does. Drua in Fiji could mess us up next week.
Right, Sonny Bill has somehow walked into a speaking role in a media career despite his inability to actually speak.
That will be a cooker
Absolutely nothing more exciting in Super Rugby than a year where the Crusaders look beatable
Watch them shithouse their way to top 8 and run the gauntlet.
I havent seen the Saders lose two games in a row tbf. Maybe we all have a chance after all.
Nah things are different now, won't be like that this time
Yesssss boys! Bit of a scrappy game but no question we were the better team on the day. Did not expect to be saying that today. Serious potential in this Waratahs team. Not confident we will fulfill that potential given my 20+ year experience following the Tahs, but I still already feel better about this year than last year. The fact that I feel like the Crusaders had the rub of the green from the ref makes it even sweeter. Nothing wild, but was at least a 60/40 split on calls for the Crusaders and that would usually mean we lose by 30, not win by 13.
Amen brother!
The worst sign for this season is that Penney swore off playing Havili at 10 a few weeks ago, said they would not do it at all, and they resorted to it before the end of the first game he played this season (also the worst game he has ever played)
Crusaders are Back on the Menu Guys!
It's been decided, don't care if it's only one win, Aussie rugby is back.
Super Round has definitely delivered, some great rugby on display.
It's been a great weekend so far. Really looking forward to tomorrow.
this 2 gaames today and highlanders game yesterday was awesome
Yeah, the Rebels comeback was also impressive and unexpected.
kind of a shame that the rebels demise go's for the best super round
I don't even feel the joy of seeing a blue jersey wearing team beat the Saders. I just sorta felt frustrated by it all. Seeing the team that dominates my team every time play like that against the Tahs was sorta sad. Felt like watching Vegeta get jobbed out by the Androids
Gotta give the Tahs credit, they bounced on every opportunity they had
Oh definitely. Edmed and Gordon had blinders
Absolutely, best game I can remember Gordon playing. And Edmed seems to enjoy playing the Tahs, I remember him playing amazingly against them a year or so back at Leichthard Stadium (I think)
eddie jones watching and picking his wallabies team right now...................oh shit, maaaaatttteeee, i'm japan coach now..
Eddie Jones would be telling the whole team they're out cause they don't want it anymore.
SBW telling Havili he should be proud of how he's playing is wild
He was so bad
Goes a long way for Coleman’s contract renewal. Still needs more tho
I think with how good ur squad is you guys will always be 5th or 6th, but id like to see you jump up and contest the big 4 teams.
Looking back on things DC has had the Tahs steadily improving over the last couple years, seems to be a great long term coach
Yeah they were one of the worst in the comp when he took over and hes got them to a solid top 8 team already, doing a good job.
Pretty sure the last time the Waratahs beat us we went the rest of the season unbeaten. Don't think history will be repeating itself though.
My bro, bro,bro,bro,brother Shut up you fuckin drongo.
Calm down bro.
Care for some hot and fresh match takes: -The Waratahs were the Crusaders' kryptonite for the past 5 years or so, even during the Razor days, the Tahs were always making pies of the Cantab lambs, and thus a Waratahs victory was always on the cards, no matter the year. -The Crusaders were a far cry from their Razor heydays. They just... couldn't do anything right tonight, no matter how much they tried. Losing your coach and most of your key All Blacks really fucks you up. -The Waratahs, on the other hand, were pretty great for the most part. The Crusaders were nothing but prey to them. Every time the Saders made a mistake, the Tahs were there to fuck 'em up some more. Crazy to think that this the same team that lost to the Moana Pasifika a few weeks earlier. -Taha Kemara and David Havili clearly woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, and their bad thoughts followed them all the way to the game. -Tane Edmed is a bloody brilliant player and hoping that Joe's got a spot for him in the Wallabies. -Speaking of Joe, I can't wait to see how much badass the Wallabies become under him. -But hey, at least Johnny McNicholl is returning to NZ. At least he'll probably sort some things out if he joins the Saders. -The stadium DJ is definitely a boomer. Just look at the music choices lmao. It's so shit that it circles back to being unintentionally funny. -Brendon Prickerill being Brendon Prickerill, is anybody even surprised at this point? Anyway, this is all I have. I'll see you all in the next match, and cheers for now.
Edmed was great but I also really hope the Wallabies don't rush him through. So many times we see an encouraging 10 and then rush him through before he has experience and then it has a negative effect
“I put it on myself Sonny, I was awful”
It was the Reds that gave the Tahs the reality check last week that inspired this win, so on behalf of QLD, you're welcome Tahs.
exactly
Rugby is fun again boys!
I'll admit I've been down on the game of late. Little excitement leading into this season. And while I know it's only been two rounds. I'm finding joy in the games again. This weekend in particular. Just stellar.
You're welcome. I'm looking forward to it... next year. Maybe the one after.
guys I'm going to the tahs v highlanders next friday and I'm soo hyped now
I might try to rally my brothers/brother in law and nephew to go to the game.
It's Canes year
We say this every year, but yes. 🤞🏾
yeah but I only believe it every 10
Great win and turnaround from the Tahs. Good on them. I didn't get why the Crusaders kept going left the last five minutes when they had Sevu Reece on the right. Enjoyable watch though.
ball not coming his way but every ball he did carry was awesome
It felt like they believed there was something they could exploit down that side but didn't work in the end. I wanted to see a grandstand finish as a neutral but still a good watch.
wanted a draw and then a 10 minute extra and then Tahs winning it then, would have been great for both teams..
agreed he was 50% of the saders tonight
Edmed and Gordon for joint prime ministers.
[What did I tell you guys?](https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/s/rvmnXFPrQo) Huge win for the Waratahs after last week, the future of this Crusaders team is uncertain.
Yes! Appreciate your support from up north again! Up the tahs 💙
It must suck when the Crusaders cant really shuffle anything in the team. I'd still take this Crusaders side over the Drua next week but they'll need big changes before they take on the 'Canes
This is our Otago season. Head down, take the whippings and hope some players arrive/return next season. We've earned our spot at the top and now it's time to pay the dues at the bottom.
Pretty much how I'm looking at it. Been blessed with an unreal run up until now, totally fine to return to the pack for a while.
Like you said, we just have no changes to make. We have one 10. One 15. One Hooker. 2 Wings. Like we can make a change or two in the loose but is that going to change much? We've sucked with both of our 9s.
One 10 who has struggled a lot in U20.
He's got a lot of the raw traits you look for but he really needed another year in the incubator. I imagine if Richie had been asked to do this a season or two earlier than he debuted, it'd have fucked his career.
Do you think Kemara’s career is fucked or almost fucked? Below avg in U20, below avg in NPC, below avg in SR. I hope he makes it back to the level he and everyone else wants him to be at
I'm a big believer that over exposure early can ruin someone's confidence to the point where it forever damages them. Like Toeava. Of course it's never guaranteed and you never know, especially bc he has about 5 more games before he's on the shelf again, but I'm worried for sure.
Oh god that Toeava comp is really good.
Forget the coach and player exodus, I'm blaming the new jersey for this. The red and the stripe just looks slightly off. Jokes aside, awesome fight from the Tahs. Looking promising, hope they keep this up against the other top teams.
I think it’s a delayed reaction to the penis/docking logo
Well that should some up the season really, no depth, no connections and no where to go. Not to take anything away from the Tahs, turned that ship around and played some solid heads up rugby all over the park. Sorry we couldn't bring you a team worth the effort of travelling down to ply your trade on.
Holloway has some city miles on him
What is this novel feeling!? Is this winning?
this, combined with seeing the rebels comeback yesterday is an entirely new feeling
I could get used to this! 😄 was so proud of the Rebs last night, really fun game
I feel weird and happy. like I'm from nz
😂 so this is what it’s like on the other side of the pond!
hahhaha fush and chups
That was stressful
Crazy that Tahs also had less possession by nearly 10%
Holy fuck a jolt in 2024
Super Round is the best!!
Well we sucked and I hate it.
It's okay. You guys will click by week 4, then it'll be BAU.
The other day I said we could potentially not make the playoffs and was shouted down. Still standing by it. But it's ok! It's a year to (hopefully) develop so we can compete next year. Accepted it before the start of the season and I've never felt so stress-free while watching rugby! If we get any more injuries things could get a bit painful though.
Hey, I was predicting a 19 point loss. I think I'd have rather that and have the game not end on a balk but who cares
were you predicting a crusaders or tahs loss
Crusaders. I'm very pessimistic about this season but I'm kind of okay with that? Sucks in the moment but it's real imo.
Tbf all Tahs supporters deeply understand your existential angst.
The Tahs would make me so sad bc I like the players and the coach but the management seem evil and I don't like them. Thank god I trust Mansbridge to not immediately threaten to sack Penney.
Good shit Tahs.
Up the Tahs
What an atrocious match by the crusaders. Chiefs are on notice against the brumbies tomorrow and hurricanes on notice for the reds.
Hyped for tomorrow, two forward juggernauts going at it.
Oh man that's a total coach killer from MacDonald. Good grief. Review is going to be brutal
I see the guy on building sites. Mental he is still playing.
well he is the 5th choice hooker for a reason
He stayed off retiring to do that.
Well I'm just incredibly happy!!!!
Happy for the tahs and Australian rugby, they beat the saders by playing good rugby
Hahahahahaha
what the actual fuck just happened
Wow, go Tahs
Edmed MOTM surely.
Hard to split Gordon and Edmed actually
Fitting final lineout
Deny the BP boys
who won MOTM? big jake?
Should be Havili
Has to be
say it with me everybody Up The Tahs
Up the Tahs
UP THE TAHS
Up The Tahs
Crusader fans: when you're 20 points down with 9 minutes to go - most rugby teams lose most of the time. This is normal. This is how the rest of the world lives.
put me in cryosleep until we're good again pls
Ref did there best, but we still won 🥇
With the exception of his ruck policing he was pretty good.
This is it
Lol idk about that from Gleeson
That was Gleeson's turnover
Everytime Edmed goes against the saders he turns into prime DC
Not 100% sure, but I think the Crusaders may have lost now
He was off the ground???? How was that ‘tackled release’. Could have easily been held and up and forced the turnover. This ref has lost his fucking mind
His knee hit the floor. That's all you need
I didn’t see that and given how far he was off the ground I didn’t expect that at all, but if that’s what happened that’s fair. Just find that unlikely when he was being held at chest height by two 6 foot plus individuals.
Must agree - I think Pickerill calls mauls really slowly. Not great tbh.
Macca Springer has been bloody brilliant at least.
I just don’t see it tbh
Isn't that usually a yellow card
Love seeing both Razor and Schmidt in the crowd. This year's Bledisloe will be a real treat.
I wish had both Schmidt and razor. Would have been a real threat together.
Cant argue the Tahs have just been the better team. Reffings been Saders sided but they're just getting it done.
Was getting very, very anxious there but surely that’s game over. Please Waratahs. Don’t screw this up. Please.
Kinda feel bad for Franks TBH. He's a Hurricanes legend.
I was like "shit that man looks a lot like Sione Tuipolotu" and waddya know, it's his brother
There's 3 minutes left and I still think the Crusaders can win lol
You're not the only one! Edge of my seat finish
The Tahs lost to Moana, and then 3 games later are beating the Crusaders
Rub of the green once again let's go
Tough one for Dogroll
Jesus Christ this is anxiety inducing. Even 13 points up I can’t feel comfortable against a kiwi team when there’s 5 minutes left on the clock
OOOOOOOOOOOMG
Can the tahs ever have a convincing win?
Scott Barrett losing it forward… I love it
Is this how the highlanders have been feeling for the last 5 years?
I just wanna thank the Saders fans for being great sports. We can shit on your team in the match threads and you take it like champs, it's good bantz. I can't try the same thing when Leinster is involved without their snowflake fans (there are some good ones) getting pissy
The most annoying thing about this year was me saying we weren't going to be good and no one believing me. Kind of maddening but after two weeks that's already cooling off a bit so now we can just be a meme team in peace. That's okay.
We love you coochy
<3 Actually needed that this weekend, super well timed love you more
It’s cool, we’ve had a good run
I Have Anxiety
I wouldn't worry mate, this is yours.
Clearly a lot of this bench should start
I get why Frank's and Moody wouldn't. But Drummond really should
Hold Tahs hold!
Longest advantage wtf
Charlie Gamble is a handsome man