Cheetah hunting for Crusaders
Scott Robertson should have a few touring tales to tell his Crusaders players on their two-week jaunt in South Africa.
Robertson hasn’t visited the Republic since 2003, when he represented the Crusaders in his final season as a player, but it was his 23rd and final appearance for the All Blacks in Durban in 2002, a game remembered more for the pitch invasion by a beefy Springboks supporter, that would create some interest if anyone cared to ask.
The All Blacks were awarded four tries in the 30-23 victory over the Springboks 15 years ago, with fullback Leon MacDonald, now working as Robertson’s backs coach at the Crusaders, among those to score.
In the context of what happened, such details almost seem irrelevant.
It was the antics of angry Boks fan Pieter van Zyl, who tackled Irish referee David McHugh as payback for what he perceived to be too many biased decisions, that sticks in the mind.
As McHugh waited for All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall to arrive with the ball to feed a scrum, van Zyl, possibly with too many beers in his belly, and clad in denim jeans and a faded Springboks jersey, chugged onto the field and launched his tackle on the startled official. What followed was mayhem.
Number eight Robertson, along with several players from both teams, ducked into the melee in an attempt to prise van Zyl off McHugh before two security staff members escorted the rebel off the park.
Among those who wrestled with van Zyl was Richie McCaw.
‘‘I don’t know whether I dealt with it properly but certainly a couple of the South Africans did,’’ McCaw stated later. ‘‘He got what he deserved.’’
McHugh followed soon after, too wounded to continue. Van Zyl, listed as a businessman from Potchefstroom, was later convicted of assault. Little has been seen, or heard from him, since.
Robertson has proved to be more durable in terms of surviving in the rugby industry. After leaving New Zealand at the end of the 2003 he played in France and Japan, and having switched to coaching climbed up the ladder into the role as Crusaders coach.
His term in charge, to date, has been far from boring. Eight wins, three of them pulsating efforts that required his team to run down the Highlanders, Reds and Blues from behind.
There were mass changes in the back office after former coach Todd Blackadder’s departed. There have been plenty in the squad, too.
Robertson has blooded 15 newcomers this season, while also welcoming back Tim Bateman for the first time since 2008. Seta Tamanivalu, Bryn Hall and Digby Ioane previously had stints at the Chiefs, Blues and Reds.
Introducing so many men by the midpoint of the season was unexpected, but necessary. Injuries, and a requirement to reward them for their toil on the training field, ensured it happened. Apart from injuries to Israel Dagg and Ioane, and with Ben Funnell staying behind in Christchurch because his partner is due to have a baby, Robertson has fielded the strongest tour party available.
Plenty has changed in South Africa since Robertson, now preparing the Crusaders for their match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday morning (NZT), last visited.
During his absence the South African Rugby Union introduced the Cheetahs and the Kings to Super Rugby. Now they are trying to cull both those sides.
What was expected to be a quick decision on the fate of both teams has turned out to be a painful and protracted process. Several weeks have passed, and still we wait.
This could be the Crusaders last outing in Bloemfontein, barring a return for the playoffs if the Cheetahs suddenly hit the turbo button and reverse their slow start to the season.
It seems unlikely, but given Robertson’s experience in Durban 15 years ago he may warn his men about the need to expect the unorthodox. It can come from any direction.