Sharks scrum impresses Crusaders

 

The Crusaders scrum has, under much controversy, been one of the most devastating in the competition, with tall loose head prop Wyatt Crockett the chief destroyer.

 

Crockett, and the Crusaders scrum, have faced criticism from a number of legends of the game.

 

retired Test referee Jonathan Kaplan, former All Black coach John Mitchell, retired All Black prop Kees Meeuws and retired All Black scrumhalf Justin Marshall have all voiced their concerns over the Crusaders alleged illegal scrummaging.

 

However, there has been no formal moves to correct the supposed illegal technique, as the Crusaders continue to disrupt teams at the set piece.

 

Blackadder has spoken this week about the threat he is expecting from the Sharks, with the Durban team boasting two very experienced Springbok props.

 

"It is going to be a great battle at scrumtime," Blackadder said from their base in Durban.

 

"The Sharks scrum has really improved since last year, they have obviously put a lot of work into it."

 

Blackadder went on to also lay praise on his own team's scrum, but also admitted that in a new game, against a new team, there could be very different results come scrum time.

 

"Our scrummaging is something we pride ourselves on," he continued.

 

"But it is just one week at a time – I don't think we will carry anything from the past forward.

 

"There has been a lot of talk about scrum throughout this competition, but I don't think there is a major issue with our scrum. 

 

"Last week [against the Bulls] we played well and we probably deserved the penalties that we got [at the scrum].

 

"But we are looking forward to this challenge."

 

All Black lock Sam Whitelock admitted that the Crusaders had spent sometime watching the Sharks, and the way that they play.

 

"Going into this game we have spent a lot of time looking at what they [the Sharks] do, and how they play," Whitelock said.

 

"We are looking to get our own play in order, but we know they are a good side – we have to go out there and play our game."

 

Blackadder echoed his lock's sentiment, admitting the Sharks knew how to win ugly.

 

"I have been watching the Sharks quite closely," Blackadder added.

 

"They have gutsed it out and played some good, tough rugby – it has not been pretty rugby, but they have done enough to win.

 

"There is a real grit and determination there."