With the Six Nations in full swing and the Super Rugby season just around the corner, it is truly a glorious time for rugby fans either side of the equator.
Here we will have a look at The Crusaders, how they stand and what they can prove this season in a transitional phase.
Crusaders Super Rugby Preview
The first season of a World Cup cycle can be difficult for many teams as a lot of key players retire and as a result teams can struggle through the subsequent transitional phase. This has never been more relevant for the seven-time champions since McCaw and Carter, the two most influential players in New Zealand, nay, the world have left Christchurch to explore other avenues: McCaw is enjoying retirement while Carter is proving to be a big hit in Paris with Racing 92.
So what does this mean for The Crusaders? First of all, Kieran Read will assume the mantle of the elder statesman within the team as he looks to build on an impressive World Cup campaign. The 2013 World Player of The Year has been a world class operator over the last 5 years. A wonderful lineout technician with a footballing intelligence. He will continue to prove why he is one of the best all-round rugby players when he skippers his side this season.
The coup of Ben Volavola from New South Wales is a welcome addition to Canterbury. We all got a taste of what the Fijian playmaker can do during the World Cup. He was the helm in a backline that had no little flair or enterprise throughout the tournament.
While he may not possess the overall genius of his predecessor Dan Carter (who does?), Volavola is certainly a dangerous prospect with pace, power and panache. Something tells me he won’t be long endearing himself to The Crusaders’ fans.
In the pack, the onus is on players like Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks and Joe Moody to enhance their performances week-in-week-out and grow as core leaders. That is with no disrespect to the aforementioned players. The iconic Richie McCaw has retired and I would go as far as saying the sport of rugby would be hard pressed to unearth another player with such breakdown sorcery and leadership as him.
Everybody’s responsibility and performance will have to increase tenfold if they want to taste the same success from the glory days of Messrs. Carter and McCaw inspiring and leading from the front.
This transitional phase allows for the growth of some promising players. Not least the likes of hooker Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Marty McKenzie and the impressive former Auckland Blue Mitchell Hunt. While the likes of Andrew Ellis, Ryan Crotty and cult-favourite Nemani Nadolo can accompany Kieran Read and his gnarly pack in the leadership stakes.
Carter and McCaw aren’t the only ones who have departed from the Crusaders’ setup. Prop Nepo Laulala makes the journey up to the north island to join the Chiefs while Colin Slade and Tom Taylor are now plying their trade in the Top 14 in France. This has opened the door for Richard Mo’unga as he is promoted from the wider training group. Israel Dagg, once an All Black superstar, completes his fall from grace as he trades places with Mo’unga in the WTG.
The Crusaders get their season underway on the 27th of February when they play their first competitive game of the season against The Chiefs in The AMI Stadium in Christchurch.
Todd Blackadder is certainly faced with a difficult task this season as he looks to guide a new-look Crusaders to their eighth Super Rugby title. A task that seems insurmountable without some key personnel but write a team lead by Kieran Read off at your own peril.
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