Crusaders must show menace
It would be wonderful to have the ability to open a window into a player’s mind and comprehend what thoughts circulate between his ears ahead of a game considered a ‘‘gimmie’’.
It’s easy for an individual to waltz along to training, jump when the coaches issue instructions, diligently complete drills and enthusiastically nod when a new move is suggested.
But it’s all meaningless if his brain is being deep-fried in nonrugby issues; he could be thinking about how much cash he should park on the nose of a nag in the fifth at Addington, or whether the super woofers in his stereo should be risked at his next house party.
Which brings us to the subject of the Crusaders’ Super Rugby match against the Kings at AMI Stadium on Saturday night.
Everyone expects the Crusaders to simply fire-up their diesel engines and efficiently grind the Kings, who sit at the bottom of the competition table on zero points, under their wheels.
Despite his side being fresh off the bye and having the option of tapping into an array of rested players, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made nine changes to the side that beat the Blues 28-13 in Christchurch a fortnight ago.
He has his reasons, not least the fact that the Kings shouldn’t have a hope of rattling a Crusaders team that, despite rotating Kieran Read, Codie Taylor and Joe Moody out, still ranks five All Blacks in its forward pack.
Even with fullback Marty McKenzie forced to withdraw because of a tender hamstring, he has been replaced by Ben Volavola, the Crusaders are at extremely short odds to collect a
‘‘I just want to get out there, it has been a frustrating few weeks.’’ Crusaders flanker Matt Todd
bonus-point win.
It must be tough for the players to ignore speculation they will clout the Kings, and it may not be easy to convince themselves that they need to bash their bodies to get the required result.
Yet there are still reasons for them to be cautious: Crusaders teams have almost been embarrassed in the past by making this mistake.
A decade ago a high-profile All Black babbled platitudes about the need for the Crusaders to respect their opponent, but when the microphones were switched off he promptly scoffed, stating they were rubbish.
His side almost got embarrassed by that South Africa team, requiring a late flurry of points to prevail at Lancaster Park.
In 2012 they went to Melbourne expecting to stuff the lowly Rebels. They suffered a mind-numbing 28-19 loss.
Openside flanker Todd should be one player to not slip into any poor habits.
The fetcher, having played just 20 minutes for the Crusaders development team because of a calf complaint, will be eager to get through unscathed as he begins his campaign to get more minutes for the All Blacks following the departure of Richie McCaw.
‘‘I just want to get out there, it has been a frustrating few weeks,’’ Todd said.
‘‘The Kings have tested teams for periods of their games. We just can’t give them a sniff, they have strength up front and disciplined to the way they play.’’
Even if the Crusaders score an early try against the Kings, Blackadder may remain anxious; it is not uncommon for a team’s intensity levels to quickly subside if presented an easy start, having convinced themselves the opposition will continue to submit.
The reality can prove to be much different and it is surprisingly easy to get burnt. Cocky sides can take shortcuts, attempt miracle passes, lack aggression in the tackle and give away sloppy penalties.
The latter is an area Todd will focus on, using his burglary skills at the breakdowns.
‘‘There’s nothing like a game situation, and game-speed to test you. Unless it is done under full pressure it is hard to tell.’’