Stung Crusaders keen to return to winning way
Coach warns Hurricanes will be no easy-beat in spite of win-loss record
In the words of coach Scott Robertson, it has been an honest week for the Crusaders. The front-runners of Super Rugby Aotearoa were given a reality check last week when a depleted Highlanders side blew them off the pitch in a 33-12 romp. The Crusaders’ usual clinical execution was missing as errors and turnovers took centre stage.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game against the Hurricanes in Wellington, Robertson said there was plenty his team could take from that performance.
“We had enough opportunities but didn’t take them, which was really uncharacteristic for us, and the other thing is probably we were against a side that was pretty desperate,” Robertson said.
“The human spirit is something amazing. When they had a bit of adversity and could get together like that just shows how much they care about that jersey.
“[The Hurricanes] are in a similar position; they’re desperate as well. They can get their season back on track with a win against us and get themselves back into it. That’s probably the good thing from the weekend — the result keeps everyone alive. They have some quality players and are well coached, so full respect in our preparation for them.”
After six rounds the Crusaders sit atop the standings with four wins from five matches. It’s the reverse for the Hurricanes, who have struggled throughout the campaign.
But while the two are at opposite ends of the table, Robertson said their loss last weekend was a timely reminder of what can happen in any game of this competition.
“We pride ourselves on if it’s a close game or a game we’ve won quite well, we still dig deep enough. But this does open things up a little bit more and make you realise if you are off, how do we stay on and what the fine margins are.
“Something we’re really proud of is turning up with the right mindset every week, and if you’re slightly off those are the results you get. It’s a friendly reminder.”
The Hurricanes will take on the Crusaders with a teenage first-five, handing a starting debut to 19-year-old Ruben Love, who has only five minutes of Super Rugby experience and is one of six changes to their starting lineup.
Peter Umaga-jensen moves back into the midfield, while lock Isaia Walker-leawere and loose forward Devan Flanders come in for Scott Scrafton and Du’plessis Kirifi, allowing Ardie Savea to shift to his preferred No 7 role.
Wes Goosen returns to the left wing in place of Salesi Rayasi, Xavier Numia starts at loosehead prop ahead of Fraser Armstrong, and Asafo Aumua has recovered from a shoulder injury to take the reserve hooker role.