The Crusaders had entered the round 10 match in wooden spoon position while the Rebels were sitting fourth.\ufeff<\/p>\n
Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season,<\/strong><\/em> with<\/strong><\/em> every match ad free, live and and on demand on Stan Sport<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n "They're hurting and they came out and fought for everything and it showed up front," Talakai said.<\/p>\n "They got on top and they stayed on top. There are some quick fixes but at the end of the day we've probably got to look in the mirror. We probably looked too far ahead. We came here and we got our pants pulled down."<\/p>\n The Crusaders win was only the second in nine games but brightened their chances of reaching the quarter-finals with five matches remaining.<\/p>\n READ MORE: <\/strong>Calls for major NRL change after sickening collision<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n READ MORE: <\/strong>AFL stars at odds over radical extra-time call<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n READ MORE: <\/strong>Demetriou asks players 'to take ownership' after drubbing<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The Crusaders fielded the biggest pack they could find and crushed the Rebels scrum, winning penalties and territory through the first 30 minutes.<\/p>\n All Blacks props Fletcher Newell and George Bower dominated while the Rebels were forced to swap their entire front row – including Talakai – in the 31st minute.<\/p>\n The Crusaders also freely poached the Rebels lineout ball, helped by the return from injury of All Blacks lock Scott Barrett.<\/p>\n NEW PODCAST! Michael Atkinson and Iain Payten put the game's burning questions to Rugby Australia chairman Daniel Herbert<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n https:\/\/omny.fm\/shows\/rugby-world-cup-inside-line\/daniel-herbert-interview\/embed?in_playlist=podcast&style=Cover<\/a><\/p>\n But the handling errors that have plagued them all season continued.<\/p>\n Though they had 88 per cent of territory in the first half and controlled set pieces, they managed only two unconverted tries and led 10-0 at halftime.<\/p>\n There were four more tries in the second half.<\/p>\n "I'm certainly pleased with the way the boys turned up tonight," Crusaders captain Barrett said.<\/p>\n "There were some stern words this week and plenty of hurt over the last few weeks. But it was pleasing to see the boys roll up and put a big performance in like that."<\/p>\n No.8 Christian Lio-Willie, who often has made his appearances from the bench this season, started and scored a try in each half for the Crusaders.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/StanSportRugby\/status\/1783782465779212639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw<\/a><\/p>\n His first came in the 11th minute after a long buildup and from a flicked pass from winger Sevu Reece.<\/p>\n Flanker Cullen Grace scored in the 17th minute from a cross kick by winger Heremaia Murray.<\/p>\n But the Crusaders weren't precise enough in their attack play to fully drive home their advantage before halftime.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/StanSportRugby\/status\/1783771074150175121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw<\/a><\/p>\n Lio-Willie scored again in the 44th minute at the end of a movement which twice featured former Wales international Johnny McNicholl.<\/p>\n And prop Owen Franks touched down from a lineout drive in the 63rd minute for his first Super Rugby try since 2010.<\/p>\n The Crusaders then were able to chance their arm more and their confidence began to ebb back.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/StanSportRugby\/status\/1783779867496005991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw<\/a><\/p>\n Reece scored in the 77th minute, then McNicholl scored after a line break and angled run by Chay Fihaki.<\/p>\n The Crusaders still have a tough run in to the playoffs but with Friday's win and players returning from injury, the look a better prospect.<\/p>\n "I think the forward pack's starting to get into their work. The scrum was good tonight. The boys are growing and we're learning," Barrett said.<\/p>\n The Waratahs were also dealt a reality check on Friday night in a 38-22 loss to the Chiefs in Sydney.<\/a><\/p>\n It was 12-12 at halftime.\ufeff<\/p>\n The Chiefs improved to third on the ladder while the Waratahs are now 10th.\ufeff<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
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