By Huw Beynon
Aaron Cruden staked his claim for a late inclusion in the Rugby World Cup squad as Manawatu delivered the ITM Cup performance of the season.
On paper Manawatu should have been outclassed by the premiership high flyers but instead it was Waikato being taught a lesson.
Cruden would have been the subject of a few messages to South Africa late last night and a few yarns in downtown Palmerston North as the bucket heads were treated to a clinic.
Whether he was directing the attack or the ball, Cruden was on target.
Racking up 26 points in Manawatu’s 56 - 20 victory to extend their home ground winning streak.
Not much for Waikato to be happy about except that Dave Rennie is the Chiefs new coach and he is bringing Cruden with him.
3 News