THREE KEY MEN
SETA TAMANIVALU
Tamanivalu’s ability to break tackles and get the Crusaders on the front foot was invaluable in his first season at the franchise.
Few of the franchises’s supporters will forget his finishing of the matchwinning try against the Highlanders in the final minute in Dunedin or his runaway score in the final against the Lions.
Robertson will need Tamanivalu to do the same in his second year.
SAM WHITELOCK
Robertson will be hoping to also get repeat performances out of Sam Whitelock, probably the best lock in the world after Brodie Retallick, and No 10 Mo’unga. Both were phenomenal in their own way and Whitelock will be especially important in the wake of Kieran Read’s spinal surgery which will keep him out of the game until April.
RICHIE MO’UNGA
Another key component is the way former Ireland test No 10 and new backs coach Ronan O’Gara connects with his new backline, and in particular Mo’unga. O’Gara has been lured downunder by Robertson and should put a fresh spin on the team’s attack.