The rapid configuration of the Crusaders attacking line: running back before running forward - and especially on turnover ball - is not new. The Auckland team of 2002 and the Blues team of 2003, with many of the same players, did it all the time. Since then the Crusaders have been the standard bearers of the practice in Super rugby, and, as we all know, the All Blacks have been in test rugby.
I bet you that the Crusaders have short, sharp turnover drills every week and as part of it, practice just in time passing, in fact: general passing in front of the man so he can run onto the ball at pace from a position that is behind, and not beside, the passer. It's not rocket science, just good ingrained coaching.
Not to the point but I literally shook my head to see the Tahs backs on Saturday night doing little dolphin like jumps 2 or 3 times in a movement because the ball wasn't received in the right spot.
But given that the Crusaders often ran from deep yet received the ball flat before the tackle line, the Force could have done a lot better defending against them.
For the first try the excellent Guilford ran straight along the tram track line then swerved to his right towards touch. The Force defenders didn't read a standard Crusaders move: attracting a 2 on 1 defence. Sure enough Brown came in to help Smith according to script leaving Maitland open and McCalman exposed if the ball was passed inside at the magic moment - and it was. The breach made, the other Force defenders had to scramble after slow recognition, but the barbarians were well and truly through the gates and Dagg scored.
Inviting two tacklers was the key and I have no doubt that this was practised in Christchurch to the cows came home for yonks before the season started. It will be next year too.
It was a closer move for Dagg's 2nd try, but again, 2 guys went to tackle SBW who passed just in time. Smith should have tackled Dagg, the receiver of the pass, but Cross would have done a better job, had he been available and not double teamed SBW.
IIRR the Brumbies and Reds were sucked in like this too and no doubt so would the Tahs have been if they were playing against a team that used basic back play.