Crusaders manager Rob Penny could only “apologize to everyone” after his side suffered another Super Rugby Pacific defeat this year as they lost to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.
The 32-29 come-from-behind defeat was the ninth loss in 11 games of the season and the worst defeat in Super Rugby history, surpassing the previous record of eight losses suffered in the inaugural season in 1996.
Their latest defeat means the Christchurch-based side are currently 11th out of 12 teams in Super Rugby Pacific, and although they still have a chance to make the play-offs, they have finished just three rounds of league play. That possibility is becoming less likely in the game. The tournament ended before the quarterfinals.
Former All Black consoles
Former Crusaders and All Blacks scrum-half and current Sky Sports New Zealand commentator Justin Marshall consoles Penny after Saturday’s defeat, which gave the Highlanders their first win over New Zealand in over three years. I tried to say this. : “Keep your head up. The franchise and staff definitely support you and thank you for your time.”
“Thank you for your message,” Penny replied. “It’s great to hear from you, but some boys are hurting. They’re not taking this lightly.
“We’ve had days like that every week.
Former All Blacks U20 star scores 27 points to overwhelm Crusaders as Highlanders finally defeat New Zealand team
“The scars are there. We need more evidence so that supporters and the public understand that the players are really willing to do what they need to do to get the results and performances that we want. Need to be clear.
“I would like to apologize to everyone.”
Crusaders must win their last three games in the league
The Crusaders’ final three league games are against Brumbies (away), Blues (home) and Moana Pacifica (home), and they need to win all of these games if they want to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Currently, only the Waratahs are below the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Pacific standings, but all teams can qualify for the play-offs.
Fiji’s Dorua currently sit in eighth place with 17 points, just five points behind the Sydneysiders.
Apart from the Crusaders, who are second from the bottom, Western Force and Moana, who are 9th and 10th respectively, are also aiming for a playoff spot.
read more: The All Blacks’ wing power gives the Blues a decisive victory over the Hurricanes, taking them to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific.
