Sonny who? Crotty shines in first match

The loss of Sonny Bill Williams was going to leave a significant hole in the Crusaders backline stocks, but the performance of Ryan Crotty against the Highlanders showed the red and black production line will fill another void.

Crotty scored three tries in the Crusaders 47-19 victory over the Highlanders, and his more subtle and all-round game combined well with Robbie Fruean in the midfield, who made some typical breaks up the heart of the Highlanders defence.

The second five-eighth came off at halftime with a minor hamstring injury, but by that stage the damage was done and the game was effectively won, with the Crusaders leading 35-0 in a near flawless opening 40 minutes.

Rugby Park and roughly 4,000 supporters were on hand to watch an impressive performance considering that the Crusaders have an established history of starting their pre-season matches stuck in first gear.

When further considering that young Tyler Bleyendaal ran the backline, meaning that Crotty didn’t have the maestro like genius of Dan Carter guiding him - the Crusaders backline looked the goods against an outclassed Highlanders backline that will welcome the return of Hosea Gear from Sevens’ duty.

Bleyendaal did set up one of Crotty’s try, while his second came courtesy of the forwards after a set play scrum move, while his third was a great solo effort, a long range kick and chase regather to score.

Crotty didn’t expect to just be handed the Crusaders starting second five-eighth jersey.

"By no means is that No 12 jersey mine," he said. "Adam (Whitelock) has been training really hard and the same with Robbie (Fruean) so there is plenty of competition.

As for his injury, he didn’t feel it was major.

"The hamstring just tightened up, I don't think it is a tear. I just came off as a precaution after a lack of rugby,” he said.

More Stories: | All Blacks | ITM Cup | Super Rugby | Heartland