WATCH: Vaolini Ekuasi shows his GAS in runaway try for Rebels in loss to Crusaders

Melbourne Rebels number eight Vaolini Ekuasi showed incredible pace to score a try against the Crusaders as his side lost 43-27 to the champions in Super Rugby Pacific.

The Crusaders were on the attack and in the Rebels’ red zone in the 18th minute. They moved the ball through the hands until it got to David Havili, who was absolutely smoked in a tackle. The ball flew in the air from the impact only for Ekuasi to run onto it.

The big man had plenty to do but pinned his ears back and backed his pace with Richie Mo’unga failing to catch him. Impressive athleticism from the number eight.

Earlier, the visitors drew first blood with a Macca Springer try in the 13th minute. Mo’unga was on hand to add the extras.

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The Rebels did not lie down and responded only minutes later through Brad Wilkin, who sold a dummy and crashed over near the posts making the conversion easy for Reece Hodge.

Ekuasi’s runaway came just two minutes after, and even with a far more difficult angle Hodge made no mistake from the tee.

Of course, the Crusaders readied their response through a Havili converted try just after the 20-minute mark. Typical to the clash, the Rebels responded, and in-form scrum-half Ryan Louwrens found his way over the try-line with Hodge once again succeeding with the conversion. He would also add a penalty in the 30th minute to hand the Rebels an unexpected lead at the break.

It was all the Crusaders from there as the champions found their rhythm and they opened the scoring in the second period as Havili completed his brace. Mo’unga added the extras.

Replacement Cullen Grace also made his impact known when he crashed over just after the hour mark for a converted try. Hodge would then score the only points of the second half for the hosts with a 68th-minute penalty.

The Crusaders powered through from then on with converted tries from Ioane Moananu and Dallas McLeod in the last 10 minutes. Mou’unga converted both and kicked a penalty.

It was a sensational second-half from Super Rugby Pacific’s defending champions, who claimed the bonus point right on the buzzer when McLeod crossed the whitewash.

Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific

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