The second All Kiwi match up of the weekend produced the last four-try bonus point win of the weekend when the Crusaders managed to out-muscle and outscore the Highlanders 32 – 17. They were however made to work hard for their win.

In a game that showed equal possession for both teams, the Highlanders made the Crusaders defense work hard to keep them at bay. After being down 0 – 15 early in the second half, the Highlanders hit back once, draft player, Michael Hobbs took the field after Matt Berquist injured his ankle. The highlandes were camped near the Crusaders’ try line when Hobbs received the pass, handing off Dan Carter to cross the chalk and score the try.

Hobbs soon took it to a 1 point ball game through another try and a penalty, but the Crusaders hit back through promising young wing, Zac Guildford. The last try, and effectively the bonus point, was gifted to the Crusaders through some sloppy play from the Highlanders at the full time mark, ending the game and creating a scoreline that wasn’t really a true reflection of the proceedings.

My two cents worth:

• Jimmy Cowan needs to learn how to address the match officials. I know he was frustrated, but it is exactly that kind of attitude that keeps landing him in hot water.
• Referee Chris Pollock needs to learn the definition of possession. If a player steps out with on foo in order to field the ball out on the full, but fails to field the ball cleanly, he was never in possesion, and thus, the ball was never out. Much like the rule enabling you to dot a loose ball down for a try even if you are outside the field of play, as long as you don’t try to take possession of the ball by picking it up etc.
• Zac Guilford is always looking for work. His hands let him down at times, but he is a great prospect for many years to come in New Zealand rugby.
• Israel Dagg had a good showing from the back for the Highlanders.
• The game really turned around for the Highlanders once Michael Hobbs took the field. Expect to see a whole lot more of him.
• Dan Carter didn’t impress me much, missing 3 tackles during the game.

Crusaders VS Highlanders 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Scoreboard: