There was a positive expectancy that our boys would pull off a magnificent win against arguably the best team in the competition. When the whistle blew, the Stormers were out of the blocks in a flash, and should have been 7-0 up within the first five minutes. What happened next was something nobody could have expected. It was a little bit like Rafael Nadal losing the first two sets 6-4 and 6-1. You knew it would need a comeback of epic proportions, but you also knew he had the capability to pull it off. Well, sadly, that comeback didn't happen for Rafa or for the Stormers. The Crusaders played like men possessed and they outclassed the Stormers in all facets of the game.
The most glaring difference was in the tight five where the Crusaders made the Stormers pack look silly. The turning point in the game was the intercept try that the Crusaders scored in the first 15 minutes. In tight games you want to make your opposition work for every point and those seven points gave the boys from Christchurch a massive lift. After that the Stormers were always chasing the game and that meant they kicked for touch when they should have been going for the three points. On the day, I don't think the Stormers would have won even if they had played their best rugby. So why not?
Let's talk about the Crusaders of 2011 and why they deserve to win this competition. I spoke to Todd Blackadder, the coach of the Crusaders, before the game and he was telling me that Christchurch is becoming a ghost town. The people of Christchurch have been pummelled by earthquakes and it seems as if thousands have decided that they are going to leave everything behind and forge a new life in a place where they feel safe. This means that the Crusaders have not been able to play one game at home this whole season and it doesn't seem as if they will be able to any time in the foreseeable future. Events like this can either divide a team or mould them into a very strong unit. It has been the latter and I really hope they can pull off another big victory in Sydney next Saturday. It will mean so much to the morale of the people of Christchurch and New Zealand. They will come up against a very dangerous team in the Reds, but I have no doubt that they have the ability and will to beat them.
I also have no doubt that this will be a major boost for New Zealand Rugby four months before they are due to host the Rugby World Cup. If the All Blacks play with the power and passion that the Crusaders have played with this season, then they must stand a very good chance to hoist the trophy on 22 October.
On a more sombre note, I had a function with Joost van der Westhuisen last week. His health is deteriorating very quickly and it doesn't look as if there is anything that can be done for him. He is going to the US for further tests and opinions, and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
On a lighter note, I see that P Divvy was at the game on Saturday. I wonder if he still thinks that Sonny Bill Williams is not a good player. His offload to Robbie Freuen late in the first half was just unbelievable and was another defining moment in the match. Surely now, P Divvy must think he is a good example to younger kids who want to play this fantastic game. I hope your week ahead is as positive as the mood in the Crusaders camp.
