Crusaders looking for cutting edge

The Crusaders will use their bye week to focus on improving their finishing abilities after scoring just six tries in their four matches this season.

The seven-time champions put in another good defensive effort to secure victory over the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday, but were only able to score one try in another blunt attacking display.

Although happy with the win, coach Todd Blackadder admitted that their lack of potency on attack is a serious concern and something they will focus on before their next match against the Hurricanes at the end of the month.

"I'm a little disappointed in our attack. We didn't take our opportunities, we got a little bit lateral.

"We'll put a lot of work into our attack, there's a few things that we can do that will improve our game," he told Fairfax NZ News.

The Crusaders boss said that he ha not done the backline any favours by picking three different flyhalves already this season, and backed them to come right once they gained more confidence as a unit.

"Our guys are diligent and smart. While it's not quite flowing there's some real excitement there. We're not far away.

"The backs had some reasonably good touches, it's just not quite gelling. I put my hand up for that too. It's the third game with a different 10. It's going to take a little bit of time," he said.

Blackadder pointed out that his team's work on defence has been impressive this season and effectively won them the game against the Rebels.

"These away games are often very tough and often measured in your defence and your attitude.

"Off the back of not having a potent attack we defended with our hearts. That probably made the difference in the end," he said.