CRUSADERS 2011
The Crusaders have been the benchmark for Super Rugby, setting the standard which most of their rivals have struggled to emulate. However, in recent years they have been overtaken by the Bulls – something they would dearly like to change.
Having won two Super 14 titles, in 2006 and 2008, the Men from Christchurch have had to take a backseat to the Bulls in recent times – the South Africans triumphing in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
The Crusaders have always been there or thereabouts, but despite their title triumphs in 2006 and 2008, they have been halted in the semifinals in 2007, 2009 and 2010 by the Bulls – all those wins coming at Fortress Loftus; proving just how important home semifinals have become in the modern era.
Obvious class exists in the form of the Franks brothers up front, Thorn in the second row, McCaw and Read in the back row and with Carter pulling the strings at No.10.
What will, however, make the real difference this year is the addition of quality backs like Sonny Bill Williams – he of rugby and boxing fame! – and vastly underrated fullback (and part-time All Blacks wing) Israel Dagg, who will, finally, fill the void left by Leon MacDonald’s departure.
Strengths: Squad depth, squad depth… oh, did we mention squad depth? The Crusaders have crucial depth across the board – up front and amongst their backs, with the signings of Dagg and the much talked about Sonny Bill Williams adding crucial depth to the latter. Also, did we mention the likes of McCaw and Carter – arguably the two most influentional rugby players in the world at present? (Does one ever need to mention McCaw and/or Carter when discussing the Crusaders or the All Blacks’ chances?)
Weaknesses: They rely too much on McCaw and Carter, but – then again – why not, if you have the world’s best openside and flyhalf in your ranks? Carter did not have a good Super 14 last year, and the rest of his team felt it. They need to ensure that there is ‘life after Carter’ – even with him in the squad. McCaw, it seems, will miss a few matches in order to rest up – in what is a busy, busy rugby year – and they need to front up without his inspirational leadership and play.
Noteworthy acquisitions: Matt Berquist, Israel Dagg and Sonny Bill are all brilliant signings. Berquist will – at long last – provide decent cover for Carter, whilst Dagg and Williams – as starting players – could be the missing part of the Crusaders jigsaw in recent years.
Noteworthy losses: Hooker Ti’i Paulo is now playing for Clermont in France and given Corey Flynn’s injury record, he is a big loss. Centre Tim Bateman is now playing in Japan, but his loss has been negated by the signings of Williams and Dagg.
Coaches: Cut him and he will bleed red and black – Todd Blackadder is a true Crusader and he would no doubt be keen as mustard to extend his proud record as a player and a captain to that as the team’s coach. Backs coach Daryl Gibson and forwards guru Dave Hewett are also dyed in the wool Crusaders men and able deputies for Blackadder.
Captain: Is there a better captain in the world than Richie McCaw? (In fact, some would argue that there is no better – or more complete – player in the world at present.)
Potential bolter: Does Sonny Bill Williams qualify here? After all, it will be his first-ever Super Rugby campaign… even if he has already played for the All Blacks and will, no doubt, have the Super Rugby world watching him in 2011! Matt Berquist is hardly a spring chicken at the age of 27 (he turns 28 in May), but he could revel as Dan Carter’s understudy; a crucial position given Carter’s undoubted class.
2010 Position: Fourth (losing semifinalists)
Best finish: Winners – 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008
Worst finish: 12th in Super 12 in 1996
Home Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch (capacity 39,000)
2011 prospects: We are tipping them to win their conference… and to make it into the Last Four – directly. They are definite title contenders.
Crusaders squad: Richie McCaw (captain), Matt Berquist, Tyler Bleyendaal, Dan Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Andrew Ellis, Corey Flynn, Kahn Fotuali’i, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Robbie Fruean, Zac Guildford, David Hall, Willi Heinz, Chris Jack, Quentin MacDonald, Sean Maitland, Andrew Olorenshaw, Jonathan Poff, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Brad Thorn, Matt Todd, Joe Wheeler, Adam Whitelock, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Sonny Bill Williams.
Schedule:
Saturday, 19 February: v Blues, away
Saturday, 26 February: v Hurricanes, away
Friday, 4 March: v Waratahs, home
Friday, 11 March: v Brumbies, home
Saturday, 19 March: v Highlanders, away
Friday, 25 March: v Sharks, home
Saturday, 9 April: v Bulls, home
Friday, 15 April: v Chiefs, away
Saturday, 23 Apri3: v Highlanders, home
Saturday, 30 April: v Force, away
Saturday, 7 May: v Stormers, away
Saturday, 14 May: v Cheetahs, away
Saturday, 21 May: v Chiefs, home
Sunday, 29 May: v Reds, away
Saturday, 11 June: v Blues, home
Saturday, 18 June: v Hurricanes, home
