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Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has been forced to defend the integrity of his team after deeply frustrated Tony Brown called the state of the game “sad” for not punishing teams severely enough for repeated infractions.
The Crusaders awarded 15 penalties to the Highlanders’ eight at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Friday, while also taking two yellow cards from referee Ben O’Keeffe.
Yet despite spending nearly a quarter of the game on their own 22 yards, the Crusaders conceded just two attempts on their way to a 26-13 victory.
Those stats put Brown down when he headlined the postgame press conference.
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“If you watch the game tonight, that’s the sad thing about rugby right now,” he said.
“We had 60 percent possession, 60 percent territory … we only awarded eight penalties and they conceded 19 penalties and numerous penalty advantages against them and then two yellow cards and they still won.
“That’s the sad thing about soccer.”
The Crusaders also gave up four yellow cards in last weekend’s Game of Halves against the Blues and Chiefs, but Robertson denied they were “cynical” on Friday.
Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.
Highlanders head coach Tony Brown ahead of the game against the Crusaders on Friday.
“We defended very well and then someone would come forward half a foot and they would penalize you and we were in the corner again,” Robertson said.
“It was a pretty wicked cycle for a long time for us, but that’s how rugby is,” he said. “There will be letters.
“It’s not that you’re cynical, it’s just an error in judgment about how deep you are.
“… When you’re defensive and under pressure, the referee can pick up on a lot of things, but there’s no intention behind it.”
Joe Allison / Getty Images
Scott Robertson’s team has awarded multiple yellow cards in the past two weeks.
Robertson also paid tribute to attacking coach Jason Ryan for the Crusaders’ maul and scrum defense, which was effectively the difference between the sides.
The Crusaders repelled multiple Highlanders attacks from lineout units in both halves; no small feat given how well the Highlanders used the weapon last year.
That resistance earned a little respect from Brown.
“Most of the game we spent within 22 meters, we received a lot of penalties and we had a lot of maul opportunities,” he said.
“On our side it is frustrating but on their side they defended very well.
“Adding a bit of variation will probably help us move forward.
“But you go into a game and back your guys so they can execute those maul attempts.
“I think we dominated that second half and we had all that time in 22.
“On the other hand, we would be 30 points up, but the Crusaders defense is to be commended. They were relentless, it’s a front group for the All Blacks and they don’t score easily. “
Dianne Manson / Getty Images
Captain Scott Barrett was one of two Crusaders players shown a yellow card at Dunedin.
However, the debate over Crusader methods is unlikely to die down anytime soon.
Super Rugby champions Aotearoa will face the Hurricanes in Christchurch next Saturday, and Hurricanes coach Jason Holland will no doubt be very interested in Brown’s observations.
“That is the battle against a quality team, they will not give you anything,” he said.
“They are going to close all the space and press the letter of the law.
“The referees are doing their job, but I know they have had five yellow cards in two games, so something is not working.
“I don’t think we are far away at all. Everything was there. We have to be really ruthless when we have those opportunities. “
