'It's nice to see vision and execution like that': James O'Connor inflicts more misery on defending champs

Australian import James O'Connor is pressing his case for a starting spot after the Crusaders belted the Blues 42-19 on Saturday night.

It was the first Crusaders away win since 2023 while the defending champion Blues are now 1-5 as a horror season continues.

O'Connor again produced a sharp cameo off the bench at Eden Park and set up a try for Macca Springer with a delightful kick.

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"You should have seen the reaction to the Crusaders players all around James O'Connor," Justin Marshall said.

"I think they recognise how important that try was. Knew where the space was. Instead of passing it to where it could have caused him a little problem or two, he decided for the kick and Springer was unmarked and untouched."

Fellow All Blacks great Jeff Wilson was also impressed.

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"Yeah, it's nice to see vision and execution like that from an experienced player," Wilson said, adding that O'Connor's superior goalkicking was also putting pressure on starter Taha Kemara, who has struggled from the tee.

"O'Connor doing the kicking for goal. This would be one thing if you are concerned, if you are the Crusaders, they could be more in control of this game if some of the goals could have been kicked.

"Whether or not James O'Connor's getting closer to maybe being the starting team?"

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Hit with injuries and a loss of form and confidence, the Blues are now battling to make the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs.

The Crusaders left Auckland with a bonus point win to reclaim second place and clinch their first away victory under coach Rob Penney.

This was the Crusaders of old who have bullied opposing sides.

Loose forwards Cullen Grace and Christian Lio-Willie and hooker Ioane Moananu were excellent as the visiting pack overwhelmed the Blues on their turf.

Kemara and halfback Kyle Preston were an effective duo again, while Stephen Perofeta's comeback at No.10 for the Blues lasted just 53 minutes on a difficult night.

The Blues have a long injury list.

Captain Patrick Tuipulotu (ankle) and Kurt Eklund (groin) were additional absentees confirmed before kickoff.

However, professional sport is an unsympathetic place.

Ask the Crusaders.

They, too, had injury woes last year in failing to make the playoffs.

Nobody felt sorry for them.

Penney's team are making amends in his second year and look destined to challenge for the big prize once more.

They have the luxury, too, of introducing an international such as O'Connor from the bench.

Marcel Renata and Finlay Christie's late tries for Cotter's side were mere consolation.

It was their fifth defeat from six in a waning title defence.

Will Jordan's late finish began the exodus of unhappy Aucklanders, completing their seven try storming of Eden Park.