Super Rugby Pacific: David Havili reflects on maiden outing at first-five amid more Crusaders misery

While the Crusaders commiserated after another miserable defeat, David Havili took time to reflect on his own efforts in his debut Super Rugby Pacific start at first-five.

Havili was named to run on in the No. 10 jersey after some gentle encouragement from Scott Robertson, with Crusaders coach Rob Penney admitting he'd been coerced into giving him a run at the pivot by a new All Blacks boss eager to ensure he has plenty of options to choose from as Richie Mo'unga's replacement.

The All Blacks utility is accustomed to lining up at most positions in a backline, but first-five role carries its own unique complexities, as Havili admits he found out firsthand in Saturday's 33-28 loss to the Reds.

Havili looked assured operating behind a forward pack that was coming off second best to its counterparts, decisive with his option-taking - understandably, favouring the run - and precise with his distribution. He was denied an early assist off a laser long-ball to Cullen Grace, whose try was erased by the TMO due to Scott Barrett's knock-on earlier in the movement.

As did the majority of his backline cohorts, he fell off a couple of tackles. His kicking at setpiece was effective but in general play lacked the accuracy he would've liked.

That was lowlighted by the one major blight on Havili's evening, when his charged-down clearance near his own line that resulted in a back-breaking try to Reds forward Harry Wilson.

Havili concedes he's a work in progress as a pivot but expects to grow into the role as his minutes increase.

"It's something different. It's a new challenge and something I enjoyed," Havili told Newshub pitchside.  

"It's going to take a wee bit of time, I know that. but it's awesome to be able to step into those shoes when I can.

"We've got some quality 10s like Rivez [Reihana] and he's helped me out a lot this week around driving the team.

"Nothing really changes much for me. I've just got to keep executing my role and help drive the team around."

Judging by current trends, Havili may only have a few more opportunities to run out at first-five this year. 

After their eighth loss in 10 games, the defending champions finish the round four points shy of the final playoffs spot, with a run home that includes fixtures against the surging Brumbies and Blues.

Another injury to talisman Scott Barrett, who was forced to leave the field on Saturday, and a late scratching of Ethan Blackadder with a thigh issue may make that equation even more difficult.

Havili admits losing the All Blacks duo dealt their chances against the Queenslanders a blow but points to the team's inability to nail the "big moments" as the determining factor in their first defeat against the Reds at home since 1999.

"They're both world class players but we expect everyone to stand up," said Havili.  

"It's just nailing those big moments. We had a few opportunities and got sloppy with a few exits (Havili chargdown) which allowed them to score and get them back in the game

"I thought the boys worked really hard but it was just those little key moments we couldn't quite grasp in the last 20 minutes.

"You give the Reds opportunities like that and they'll make you pay for it."

The Crusaders now face a trip to Dunedin to take on the Highlanders, where another loss could prove the ultimate death knell to their title defence. 

While the Crusaders commiserated after another miserable defeat, David Havili took time to reflect on his own efforts in his debut Super Rugby Pacific start at first-five.

Havili was named to run on in the No. 10 jersey after some gentle encouragement from Scott Robertson, with Crusaders coach Rob Penney admitting he'd been coerced into giving him a run at the pivot by a new All Blacks boss eager to ensure he has plenty of options to choose from as Richie Mo'unga's replacement.

The All Blacks utility is accustomed to lining up at most positions in a backline, but first-five role carries its own unique complexities, as Havili admits he found out firsthand in Saturday's 33-28 loss to the Reds.

Havili looked assured operating behind a forward pack that was coming off second best to its counterparts, decisive with his option-taking - understandably, favouring the run - and precise with his distribution. He was denied an early assist off a laser long-ball to Cullen Grace, whose try was erased by the TMO due to Scott Barrett's knock-on earlier in the movement.

As did the majority of his backline cohorts, he fell off a couple of tackles. His kicking at setpiece was effective but in general play lacked the accuracy he would've liked.

That was lowlighted by the one major blight on Havili's evening, when his charged-down clearance near his own line that resulted in a back-breaking try to Reds forward Harry Wilson.

Havili concedes he's a work in progress as a pivot but expects to grow into the role as his minutes increase.

"It's something different. It's a new challenge and something I enjoyed," Havili told Newshub pitchside.  

"It's going to take a wee bit of time, I know that. but it's awesome to be able to step into those shoes when I can.

"We've got some quality 10s like Rivez [Reihana] and he's helped me out a lot this week around driving the team.

"Nothing really changes much for me. I've just got to keep executing my role and help drive the team around."

Judging by current trends, Havili may only have a few more opportunities to run out at first-five this year. 

After their eighth loss in 10 games, the defending champions finish the round four points shy of the final playoffs spot, with a run home that includes fixtures against the surging Brumbies and Blues.

Another injury to talisman Scott Barrett, who was forced to leave the field on Saturday, and a late scratching of Ethan Blackadder with a thigh issue may make that equation even more difficult.

Havili admits losing the All Blacks duo dealt their chances against the Queenslanders a blow but points to the team's inability to nail the "big moments" as the determining factor in their first defeat against the Reds at home since 1999.

"They're both world class players but we expect everyone to stand up," said Havili.  

"It's just nailing those big moments. We had a few opportunities and got sloppy with a few exits (Havili chargdown) which allowed them to score and get them back in the game

"I thought the boys worked really hard but it was just those little key moments we couldn't quite grasp in the last 20 minutes.

"You give the Reds opportunities like that and they'll make you pay for it."

The Crusaders now face a trip to Dunedin to take on the Highlanders, where another loss could prove the ultimate death knell to their title defence. 

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