The Crusaders may have delivered their ninth win of the Super Rugby Pacific season, but there was little to celebrate at Mount Smart Stadium.
On Monday, it was announced Billy Guyton had died suddenly at just 33 years old.
His death was felt across the competition and beyond, having played for the Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes as well as the Māori All Blacks.
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Guyton was perhaps more known for his tenure with the Tasman Mako, having made 52 appearances in the provincial competition.
While the Dolphins in the NRL may lay claim to the ‘fins up’ slogan, the Mako made the phrase and hand gesture famous long before then.
As Crusaders winger Macca Springer rose from scoring the second try of the night, he rose and formed the iconic fin with his hand on his head before launching it skyward.
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It was a subtle but poignant gesture by the 20-year-old, who plays for the Mako in the National Provincial Championship.
Former Tasman and Hurricanes player turned Crusaders coach James Marshall was among those pay tribute to Harmon in the 41-7 win.
“Absolutely heartbreaking to hear the news about Billy,” he said.
“He was a champion, man. I was lucky enough to play with him at the Hurricanes and mate, he was such a legend and I’m absolutely gutted to hear that news.
“Massive shout out to his family and love to all of them. I hope they’re doing well, and rest in peace, Billy.”
It was a one-sided contest between the Crusaders and Moana Pasifika, as the home side were kept scoreless in the first half.
Moana Pasifika scored one try to the Crusader’s six in what was a messy affair on the whole.
The Crusaders will host the Waratahs on Saturday, May 27 but before that Moana Pasifika head to Lautoka for the highly anticipated Pacific derby against the Fijian Drua.
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