On a historic Friday night in Christchurch, former All Blacks prop Owen Franks ended what had to be one of the longest try-scoring droughts in Super Rugby history for an active player.
Despite all the attention and criticism the struggling Crusaders have faced this season, the reigning champions’ 39-nil victory over the Melbourne Rebels at Apollo Projects Stadium in week 10 was particularly noteworthy.
Christian Lio-Willie, a backrower, scored the only try of the first half, and the Crusaders had a slim 10-nil advantage at halftime. But just after the half, the game was clearly theirs.
Just a few minutes into the second period, Lio-Willie scored once more, but the Crusaders’ third try of the game will go down in history as the cherry on top for a squad that really needed to win.
Rugby World Cup-winning All Black Owen Franks crashed over for his first Super Rugby try since May 2010 from an offensive lineout and the rolling maul that followed.
Owen Franks was on the Crusaders scoresheet for the first time in 4,943 days. Despite having participated in 175 Super Rugby games during his career, this was the seasoned prop’s third five-point attempt.
Following the shutout victory, Franks stated on Sky Sport NZ’s broadcast, “Always job first.” But as I approached the line, I realized that this was something I would definitely hang onto.
“A lot of effort has been put in behind the scenes, and it was wonderful to witness the discipline needed to close things out nicely and build upon successful moments.”
“I’m really genuinely thrilled for Rob Penny. He has been quite positive about everything going on and shows up every week.
Frank’s try was converted in the first five Rivez Reihana, giving the Crusaders an apparent insurmountable 25-point advantage. The hosts were far from finished, but the clock kept on ticking.
Consider using the score machine. Sevu Reece increased his season total to eight, which ties him for the most in the tournament with halfback Cortez Ratima of the Chiefs and Hoskins Sotutu of the Blues.
With a last try in the 78th minute, Wales international Johnny McNicholl sealed the victory and lifted the established Super Rugby giants off the bottom of the standings.
The guys’ performance tonight impressed captain Scott Barrett, he added. “Over the past few weeks, there has been a lot of hurt and some harsh words exchanged.”
“Watching the boys step up and deliver a performance like that was pleasing.”
“This season, we’ve really struggled up front, but the scrum went really well there,” he said. “The forward pack started to really get into their work.”
“It’s encouraging to see we’re learning, and the boys are growing.”
