The under-manned Western Force showed a lot of fight but today's win for the Crusaders is all about Macca Springer.
Springer has put his name in the record books after a sensational five try afternoon to secure the 55-33 victory.
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So what did we learn?
It’s rare that a winger scoring a hat-trick and going on the verge of all-time greatness plays second fiddle but that’s what Sevu Reece must settle for after Macca Springer’s day out.
Springer was sensational, taking a rare chance to start to make himself a must select for the rest of the year.
His fourth try was special, chipping and chasing for himself before beating the defenders for a great try.
He ties the late great Sean Wainui for most tries in a Super Rugby game and already beats his tally from nine games in 2024.
Reece’s hat-trick would be the talking point from this game if not for Springer, with the All Black all but set to break the Super Rugby try-scoring record this year.
It may not look like it by the scoreline but there are definitely positives to take for Force coach Simon Cron out of this game.
His side's superb fight in the first 45 minutes against their Wallaby contingency left plenty of Christchurch nervous.
They kept fighting until the end, even after a blitz from the Crusaders.
Back-rower Will Harris was exceptional and constantly caused the hosts problems, while Mac Grealy and Harry Potter were superb.
The Force will be able to regroup refreshed when they return home to face the Fijian Drua next Sunday .
If the Crusaders backline wasn’t dangerous enough, Braydon Ennor’s return from injury adds a whole new threat to worry about.
The classy centre was one of their best in the win, making his impact with a great break and kick for Macca Springer’s opening try.
He showed a great pair of hands to set Sevu Reece into space for another five-pointer.
The combination with David Havili was exceptional, with Havili setting up Reece’s second off a scrum play.
Young prop Western Force Marley Pearce is showing he can match it with the best in this competition.
It was always going to be tough going against an all-Test front-rower, but Pearce won the first scrum battle after dropping Fletchell Newell for the penalty.
Pearce stayed solid across the afternoon, like he has throughout the 2025 season.
He was also strong with his carries with four tackle busts as he continues to thrive on the big stage.
A big concern for the Crusaders will be the inefficient kicking of flyhalf Taha Kemara from the tee.
He kept the Force in the game despite their four tries in the first half with four misses, two never looking like getting there.
The flyhalf is a special talent with ball in hand, which was on full display towards the end of the half.
However, the performance of James O’Connor in the second half puts pressure on him.
O’Connor took the Crusaders’ attack into overdrive as he torched his old side and was perfect from the boot.
