Beaming McCaw hails clinical Crusaders

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James Mortimer - (19/05/2012)


A nine-try demolition of the Blues by the Crusaders was an emphatic response after losing to the Rebels last week, with the seven-time champions ensuring they cemented their place in the top six.

Hooker Corey Flynn scored twice, while Matt Todd, Richie McCaw, Adam Whitelock, Zac Guildford, Andy Ellis and Luke Romano crossed for the Crusaders, while replacement Tom Marshall also got on the scoresheet.

All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter also made a welcome return to form, kicking six conversions before being replaced by Tyler Bleyendaal.

Crusaders captain McCaw, who played at number eight for the match, couldn't hide his pride and how his troops had performed.

It was the Crusaders biggest win against the Blues, while it was the Auckland based franchise's heaviest loss in Investec Super Rugby.

"We were clinical when we had the ball," McCaw said.

"(We) played at the right end of the filed and the opportunites we got we made them count."

"When it comes together like tonight, it's pretty pleasing."

Blues captain Luke Braid had nothing but praise for the Crusaders, who he said clearly responded after losing to Super Rugby's newest team last weekend

"The Crusaders were outstanding," he said.

"They were full of fire from their loss last weekend and we copped it.  Their tempo was really fast and it was hard for us to set a D (defensive) line."