THE FINAL WHISTLE
MARK KEOHANE: Crusaders sparkle in spectacle while Kings top cringeworthy contest
If ever there was an illustration that Super Rugby is a two-tier competition, it was in Dunedin and Singapore, respectively, with two matches of contrasting quality and player skill levels. Dunedin played host to Super Rugby with seven-time champions the Crusaders sensational in turning a 27-6 deficit on 50 minutes into a 30-27 win against the Highlanders. The tempo never let up and whereas the Stormers produced 30 extravagant minutes against the Bulls in Round One, this was even better from New Zealand’s traditional South Island rivals because the intensity and pace never waned throughout the 80 minutes. It will take something spectacular in the competition to surpass the tempo of the spectacle in Dunedin, even though the Chiefs versus the Hurricanes this weekend will equal the intensity.If Dunedin had the "Wow" factor, the substandard quality of the Kings’ win against the Sunwolves in Singapore had the "Cringe" factor. This simply was not Super Rugby. Neither team possesses the co...
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