The Melbourne Rebels threw everything and the kitchen sink at the Crusaders, however, it wasn't enough as the visitors ran away with the 43-27 win.
The hosts held the lead with less than 15 minutes to go, only for the Crusaders to show why they are the most successful side in Super Rugby history.
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So what did we learn?
1 EMPTYING THE TANK
You can’t fault the effort of the Rebels as several players started to cramp up and look out of their feet. Unfortunately, there were still 15 minutes to go.
The hosts were heroic in defence and deserved to come away with at least a bonus point.
They stopped close to a half-dozen certain tries, headlined by an impressive goal-line stance before the half-time break.
Ultimately, this used up all of their energy, with the Crusaders able to roll over the top of them and show their class as they bounced off defenders.
Fitness remains a key work-on if they wish to keep playing this style of Rugby, falling away towards the end for the second time in two games, even if the Blues loss came with a stack of injuries in one position
It’s the difference between a good team and a great team, with the defending champions capping it off late with an unlikely bonus point.
2. BOX OFFICE
The Rebels are becoming must-watch TV regardless of the result.
A lot of teams talk about being fast and fearless but the Rebels embody it. Nothing sums this up more than Carter Gordon cross-kicking from his own goal-line to Andrew Kellaway with all the pressure on the hosts in the first ten minutes.
This was coupled with some brutal defence across the park, highlighted by a great jamming tackle from Josh Kemeny, dislodging the ball for Vaiolini Ekuasi to run 90 metres and score.
And to think, they’ve got arguably the best player in Australian Rugby for this style of Rugby in Taniela Tupou coming over in 2024.
3. THE VALUE OF CLEAN BALL
If any coach wants a perfect example of the importance of controlling the breakdown, look no further than this game from the Crusaders.
The work of Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett was a master class on both ends.
They caused Ryan Louwrens nightmares when the Rebels tried to launch an attack, contrasted with perfect service for Mitch Drummond to play quickly.
It’s only when the likes of Brad Wilkin, Josh Canham and Josh Kemeny started to get over the ball did the Crusaders have issues.
However, they regained the ascendancy and it proved the difference late in the game.
4. TOUGH AS NAILS
Even in defeat, Eddie Jones must be pleased with what Carter Gordon produced.
He seemed to have a magnet for the towering forwards but didn’t shy away from the contact.
Gordon also made countless tough tackles, recording 11 with just one miss late in the game.
His kicking game has come a long way and plays like the one from his own in-goal displays that youthful confidence.
Make no mistake, he’s in real contention for higher honours in 2023.
5. STEPPING OUT OF THE SHADOWS
Josh Canham is quietly emerging as one of the key players of the future for the Rebels.
The lock does a lot of the dirty work but continues to step up with Matt Philip on the sidelines.
He showed great Rugby smarts to get his foot in the way of a Crusaders pass and dive on the loose ball, setting up Brad Wilkin’s opener.
Canham then came up with a great pilfer as the Crusaders threw everything at their line late in the first half.
Brad Wilkin remains a work-horse across the park and showed why he came out for special praise from Eddie Jones after Wallabies camp. He continues to shorten as a bolter for the Wallabies.
