|
|
Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Super Rugby Are The Crusaders A Spent Force? 12 views
13 March 2013 by The Swede Eaters
|
| |
|
Guest columnist Tim Cronin looks at the Crusaders of 2013.
For most sides two losses, one by a single point, in the early part of
the season would be disappointing, but not necessarily disastrous. But
the Crusaders are not just any team, and after making the playoffs for
the last four years in a row without claiming the title the pressure is
quickly mounting on Todd Blackadder and his men to start the Red and
Black machine rolling.
I understand that from the outside looking in it seems a bit ridiculous
to moan about the recent form of the Crusaders. After all, it's been over a decade
since the Cantabrians finished outside the Top Four. But because of
their previous success, not to mention the phenomenal talent in their
squad, the expectations on their shoulders are immense.
It's no secret that Blackadder's job is on the line. Not only does he
once again have to get his side to the playoffs (a task which gets
increasingly more difficult the longer it takes them to warm in to their
work this season), but he then needs his side to show they've got
enough left in the tank to finish their campaign off. Essentially, if
the Crusaders fail to win the Super XV this year Blackadder will lose
his job.
Blackadder responded to this pressure in interviews leading up to their
opening game with the Blues by telling fans to expect a new-look style
of play from a rejuvenated Crusaders side. What we got was exactly the
type of game they've played, admittedly with relative success, for the
last handful of years.
While teams like the Blues and the Hurricanes have a history of
selecting players with flair and X-factor the Crusaders are renowned for
having a focus on 'team' more than the individual. But I can't help
thinking that in players like Adam Whitelock and Tom Taylor, two
proficient yet remarkably unexciting players, they've gone too far in
one direction. I understand what they're looking for – they want players
they can rely on when defending, who will work hard for 80 minutes. But
what they're gaining in reliability under the high-ball or work-rate
around the paddock they're losing in game-breaking, match-winning
talent.
People know what to expect from the Crusaders. They know for the most
part they'll be accurate, they know they'll be solid and consistent in
the set pieces, and that they'll be supremely conditioned. But they also
know they have few threats outwide, and that anything they do try on
attack will be relatively easy to predict and contain.
Don't get me wrong; I love my Crusaders and I'm certainly not trying to
suggest that this year is a write-off already. But I think Blackadder,
if he's got any chance of keeping his job, needs to readdress the
balance in his side (something he took a step towards against the 'Canes
by returning Israel Dagg to fullback), and be prepared to take the odd
risk here or there. Otherwise, the way the New Zealand conference is
shaping up they may miss the boat before they even really hit their
stride.
This post was written by Crusaders fan Tim Cronin.
Do you think the Crusaders are a spent force? What should they do to get back to their glory days?
Have your say!
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2013/03/super-rugby-crusaders-spent-force.html
|
|
|
➜ Previous Story
Next Story ➜
|
|
Tags:
Super Rugby , Crusaders
|
|
|
|
|
|