Abig ask but it can be done
This smells like a set-up. The concept of a media correspondent spinning the cheerleader’s pom-poms and spruiking the local team doesn’t sit well with me – especially when that team has landed the itinerary from hell, and their form against the other three Kiwi teams in the finals series has been unconvincing.
So let’s get to the guts of the issue. The Crusaders’ chances of winning this competition are 30-70 at best.
By qualifying seventh they must negotiate a nightmare travel schedule. Try flying to Christchurch and Johannesburg, and then do it in reverse, within six days. Sleepless nights, itchy eyeballs, feeling zonked by 1pm. It’s all part of the experience. Sandwiched in between these journeys is a Super Rugby quarterfinal match against the Lions at Ellis Park.
That, I amafraid to say, is the easy bit. Let’s say the Crusaders beat the Lions (which I think they will).
If the Highlanders, Hurricanes and Chiefs win their quarterfinals, as expected, the Crusaders must face the Hurricanes, who thumped them 35-10 in their final regular season game, for the second time in two weeks.
That’s not the end of it. If the Crusaders win at the Cake Tin, they must keep travelling. Their foes in the grand final will probably be the Highlanders in Dunedin, or the Chiefs in Hamilton. In their three meetings (twice against the Chiefs) this season, the Crusaders have won none of these encounters.
Yes, the Crusaders can still win the title. In addition to having the best scrum in the competition, their lineout is extremely efficient.
The backline has talent: Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Richie Mo’unga, Andy Ellis and Nemani Nadolo (if fit) are proven performers. It just all needs to come together at the same time. Not just once or twice, but three times. It’s a big ask isn’t it? It can be done. But don’t quote me on that.