Many people have written off the Crusaders for this years Super 14, but I have not! They say that because Robbie Deans has left to coach Australia, the Crusaders are going to struggle and probably not even finish in the top 4. Fair and fine, I will admit, losing a man such as Robbie Deans will be a big blow to the Crusaders. Deans is arguably the best coach in rugby today and it still baffles me why he was not offered the All Black coaching job. But I will leave that debate for another day. The Crusaders were highly successful under Deans and now that he has gone a new coach has stepped in, Todd Blackadder!
Having watched the Crusaders for years now and seeing Blackadder as a player, one can only wonder how he will be as a coach. We all know that great players do not become great coaches most of the time but I have faith in Todd. This will be a huge test for him. He has big shoes to fill but he is going to do a great job. The appointment of Blackadder to coach the Crusaders has similarities to Johnson being named as coach of England. Both were no nonsense forwards in their playing days and highly motivational and they will take this some attitude into their coaching. So I am not to worried about Blackadder being the coach of the Crusaders, he will do a good job. Blackadder is not going to come in a change the way the Crusaders have been playing all these years. “If it is not broken then do not fix it”. Blackadder’s job will just be to continue doing what Deans was doing, he after all still has the best player in the world in Richie McCaw to make sure the success of the Crusaders remains intact.
The second reason that many of you think that the Crusaders will fail this term is because of the loss of one of the greatest rugby players in the game today, Dan Carter. Yet again, I will admit, loosing Carter to go play in Europe will be a big loss for the Crusaders but in Stephen Brett, they have a suitable replacement. I am not saying Brett is as good as Carter but he can hold his own and especially at Super Rugby level. We saw him play for the Crusaders when Carter broke his leg and when Carter was taking time off for the All Blacks and you can not tell me that the boy is not a good flyhalf.
One must also not forget the great history and tradition the Crusaders have. This is a team that has won seven titles from 13 attempts. Not a bad return at all. They will not just role over and play dead now just because they have lost their coach and Dan Carter.
I see the key to the success of the Crusaders this term being their loose trio. In McCaw and Kieran Read they have to great flankers and now with the addition of Thomas Waldrom at number 8 from Wellington, the Crusaders probably boast the best loose trio in the competition.
Let us hear what the doubters to this post have to say.
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12 comments
BP says:
Jan 30, 2009
well with a 40-17 win against the highlanders this morning the prospects are looking good, but then again, the highlanders are possibly the weakest kiwi side this season. rumors have it that the ‘canes are to make a decent challenge this year with their star studded side, but as usual, inconsistancy and ill discipline will likely cost them a spot in the top 4.
dont think the aussie sides will challenge anything and early signs show that the stormers and sharks are the saffas best hopes, with the lions and bulls outsiders for the top 4….
im going for a crusaders v canes final with the saders taking it in the end like in 2006 (or whenever it was)
Odie says:
Jan 30, 2009
BP – The Highlanders may be considered as NZ’s weakest side, but remember they beat the Crusaders in last years campaign.
As for my beloved Saders and Blackadder leading them. Yes they will triumph! I have a bet going with a Cheetah’s supporter that he will deliver a case of Shiraz to my office if the Saders make the top 4. I think they will. I am excited to see what Blackadder has to Offer. I like the idea that he was part of Dean’s coaching team last year and that he played and Captained the Crusaders, hence no lack of passion there. On that note:
Black Adder (or Blackadder Series I):
The sound of hoofbeats cross the glade,
Good folk, lock up your son and daughter,
Beware the deadly flashing blade,
Unless, you want to end up shorter,
Black Adder!
Black Adder!
He rides a pitch-black steed,
Black Adder!
Black Adder!
He’s very bad indeed,
Black, his gloves of finest mole,
Black, his codpiece made of metal,
His horse is blacker than his vole,
His pot is blacker than his kettle,
Black Adder!
Black Adder!
With many a cunning plan,
Black Adder!
Black Adder!
You genius massive man!
BP says:
Jan 30, 2009
ya but even the saders are allowed a bad day at the office, and against the highlanders last year was theirs….just like today was the canes bad day to lose to the toothless wonder of the brumbies….2 tries in the last 10mins to set up a 28-14 victory for the brumbies…they better enjoy it while it lasts coz come 13th of feb the canes will be flying!
TD says:
Feb 1, 2009
Bookies have 3 NZ teams in th top 4! – The Sharks taking 3rd place. Is their value to be made backing the local boys?
Crusaders 11/4
Hurricanes 9/2
Sharks 5/1
Blues 8/1
Waratahs 10/1
Bulls 12/1
Chiefs 12/1
Stormers 12/1
Brumbies 16/1
Western Force 33/1
Reds 50/1
Cheetahs 80/1
Highlanders 80/1
Lions 150/1
Mozie says:
Feb 2, 2009
i very much respect all your rugby knowledge. but guys i belive tge last 4 will be as follows:
1 sharks
2 blues
3 crusaders
4 stommers
BP says:
Feb 2, 2009
ya dont think a south african side will top the log to be honest, and the blues def wont make the top 4 this season, and def not above the crusaders….the stormers look SA’s best hope but the sharks can do dammage if they can keep consistant selection ie pienar at flyhalf and steyn at centre…i could be wrong but i dont think thats a realistic top 4 if preseason is anything to go by, even prompting me to questions the cane’s potential this season given their loss to the brumbies in the preseason….
Odie says:
Feb 2, 2009
Why are all of you not even mentioning the Aussie sides. I liked what I saw with the Force last year and there is always the Waratahs who did finish second of the log.
Anyway. Until I see some rugby I cannot make top 4 predictions with the exception of my beloved Crusaders.
Manny says:
Feb 2, 2009
As a fan of Aussie rugby I’d have to say only the Tah’s have a hope of making it to the final four. Do not underestimate the Brumbies or the Force however, they’ll both be pushing for a top 6 finish.
BP says:
Feb 2, 2009
yup, second/third those opinions, the brumbies and the force look set to be competing for play off places…but as Odie says not much can be said before the competittion starts….saders will always be in the mix tho….but not sitting as low as 3rd position
Guru says:
Feb 3, 2009
Some interesting yet very one sided notions popping up on this thread. Firstly, whoever is punting the Hurricanes can only be suffering fro amnesia, those chaps are the most inconsistent bunch of players I’ve ever come across. I would place them at the very best at 5th. Secondly, people seem to forget how well the Aus youngsters have been playing, including the game vs the Barbarians. I am not suggesting that the Aus sides will blow us away, but do not write them off. Lastly, yes, the Crusaders still have a core of players that are very good and capable of turning it on but please do not talk them up to end up topping the log. Let’s be realistic, it’s either be the Sharks or my dark horses for the S14…the Chiefs. I feel many people will be surprised by this team. They have maintained consistent selection for the last 2 seasons and they have a decent tight 5, 2 good loosies and a potent backline. Beware the Chiefs, they could cause havoc. Finally, I feel that Erasmus could pull off a few upsets. While the Stormers have proven to be inconsistent at times, i think in Rassie they have a coach who can push them to outplay themselves. As with Odie, I would not bet on any top 4 for now but can’t help but feel the Sharks and Crusaders are a given.
BP says:
Feb 3, 2009
haha Guru, the canes are always inconsistant, but they still have the firepower to make the top four and beat almost any team in the comp.
the sharks….eish, only more can be said when they play next weekend, they also have potential, but nothing seems ot have come of it in preseason….
the chiefs came close last season tripping near the end so can be likely contenders with an awesome backline….
never under-estimate aussie sides….any of them could make it bar the reds who’s in more comp for the wooden spoon than the silverware….
its all academic until the games begin in any case and even then we’ve seen that injuries etc can wreck any teams chances…
BP says:
Feb 4, 2009
didnt even know that the sharks were playing today against the bulls in a warmup match
http://www.rugby365.com/tournaments/super14/news/1492420.htm
that’ll be quite a good indicator of whats gonna happen with them come crunch time….
is it being shown on supersport at all?