The Crusaders were in cruise control on Friday night en route to a comfortable win over the Force.
What are we talking about after the 44-8 result?
1. Force far from finished package
The Force breezed past Fijian and Tongan outfits in their first two starts but two straight losses to severely understrength Super Rugby sides have shown their true colours. They are capable of some quality rugby with ball in hand but set piece and defensive deficiencies have been exposed by the Rebels and Crusaders.
2. Crusaders' depth beyond belief
The Crusaders were without 12 All Blacks stars and their pack in particular was filled with relative rookies but that made no difference to the performance they pieced together on Friday. It helped that the majority of their backline were Super Rugby regulars but they were a class above and look perfectly poised to defend their crown.
3. Dakuwaqa the danger
Masivesi Dakuwaqa looked the Force's best attacking threat with ball in hand, beating two Crusaders defenders to set up his side's solitary try. The attacking burden fell on his shoulders and while the visitors did a solid job in nullifying his impact, the former Fijian Sevens star looks one to watch moving forward.
4. Cash kick reaps rewards
One lucky Force punter went home $10,000 richer, having slotted a relatively simple kick at half time to land the prize.
CONVERSION! ✅
— Western Force (@westernforce) June 22, 2018
WE HAVE A WINNER! Owen brings home $10,000 in our #CashKick challenge! Congratulations Owen! 🙌#BeTheForce #FORvCRU pic.twitter.com/KCHFR958S7
5. Three week break awaits
Force fans will have to wait until July 14 to see their team in action again, a clash against Samoa their next test.
