Crusaders thump the Western Force

Crusaders loose forward Cullen Grace.
Crusaders v Force, Round 11 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand on Saturday 6 May 2023. Mandatory credit: www.photosport.nz
Photo: www.photosport.nz

The Crusaders overwhelmed the Western Force 48-13 in Super Rugby Pacific in a game of one-way traffic in Christchurch.

Rebounding from last week’s loss to the Chiefs, the Canterbury side were lethal on home turf at the scrum and lineout.

Dominating in all facets of the game, the home side scored eight tries, the Force, meanwhile posted a 67th minute try to Jackson Pugh.

All Blacks five-eighth Richie Mo’unga pulled the strings while fulllback Will Jordan impressed in his long-awaited return from an inner-ear vestibular issue.

Hooker Brodie McAlister completed a hat-trick of tries scoring all three via rolling mauls.

Stellar performances from Crusaders wingers Leicester Fainga’anuku with a double and Macca Springer, also with two tries, were a feature.

Crusaders captain Scott Barrett was pleased with the nature of the win.

“I liked the effort from the boys to keep playing and keep the Force under pressure,” Barrett said.

“I think we learnt last week we didn’t quite get it right and this week was about playing to our strengths.”

Next week, the Crusaders have a tougher proposition against the Blues.