Crusaders Star in Tasman's Win Over Canterbury

Tasman got some revenge over Canterbury after losing to Canterbury in the 2017 Premiership Mitre 10 Cup Final. 

The home side was clinical on attack scoring 4 tries on their way to 25-17 victory, with a number of Crusaders shining in the victory.

Here are our Top Performers from the clash:

Andrew Makalio - Tasman

Makalio had a number of blockbuster performances off the bench for the Crusaders this season and delivered a similar performance for Tasman in their first game of the season.

He was powerful on attack busting through tackles with relative ease and threw a great skip pass for fellow Sader Quinten Strange.

Luke Romano - Canterbury 

All Blacks head coach Steve Hanson would be impressed by Romano's reaction from being left out of the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad.

The experienced lock was used mostly off the bench for the Crusaders this season and was one of the best Canterbury players in this game.

He carried the ball well, got stuck in on defence and ran a tidy shift at lineout time.

David Havili - Tasman

Havili spent the vast majority of the Super Rugby season at fullback for the Crusaders but slotted into the 12 jersey for Tasman and looked right at home.

He ran great lines and linked up well with the rest of his teammates. 

Greg Pleasant-Tate - Canterbury

The reserve came on and grabbed a brace for his side as they looked to form a comeback late on. 

His lineouts and scrums were on point and gave his side a chance to snatch the game away from the Mako. 

Solomon Alaiamalo - Tasman

One of the Chiefs standout players this Super Rugby season, Alaiamalo made the move from Northland to Tasman for this Mitre 10 Cup season.

Alaiamalo was in the mix for an All Black call-up and if he continues this form he may actually get a call-up.

He scored a try on his Tasman debut and halted two dangerous Canterbury attacks that could easily have resulted in tries.

Levi Aumua - Tasman

The bulldozing centre had an outstanding performance making a few big hits and was a nightmare for the Tasman defence.