Age no barrier for Crusaders oldest recruit Delany
Mention first-five eighth Mike Delany’s name and Scott Robertson’s eyes light up.
It’s fair to say the Crusaders’ head coach more than likes what he’s sees from a player who will turn 36 part way through next year’s Super Rugby competition.
‘‘Age has been good for him. His body and mind is bang on,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘He’s been incredible around the rugby side of it, in regards to game knowledge and just showing the boys how to be a professional. So he’s been sensational for us and he still carves up at all the games we play. He’s quality.’’
That’s high praise for the onetest All Black, who didn’t envision playing Super Rugby again when he moved his family back to New Zealand from England earlier this year.
The former Chief and Highlander, who played for the Panasonic Wild Knights, Clermont and the Newcastle Falcons the past six seasons, just wanted to come home and throw the ball around with Bay of Plenty.
But an outstanding Mitre 10 Cup season with the Steamers, in which he led them to within a game of promotion to the premiership, caught Robertson’s attention. He got on the blower and offered Delany a contract.
‘‘It was a bit of a shock at the time but after a while thinking about it and talking to the family, it was the perfect fit for us and we’re really excited about being down here and being part of this pretty special Crusaders group,’’ Delany said.
Rewind 12 months, when Richie Mo’unga, Mitch Hunt and Marty McKenzie were the team’s pivots, and there were doubts regarding the depth in the No 10 jersey.
Mo’unga silenced the doubters with a fine season, Hunt impressed filling in while Mo’unga was out with a broken hand, while McKenzie had limited opportunities.
He’s returned to the Chiefs for next season, but the Crusaders, armed with Mo’unga, Hunt and the 35-year-old veteran, are arguably better off at first-five eighth than any other team in the competition.
‘‘Richie has had a couple of big years and Mitch Hunt we know can play Super, so to have competition there, just like we have at halfback, is what great teams have,’’ Robertson said.
The Crusaders started their final day before breaking up until January 8 by helping erect the Christchurch City Mission marquee for their annual Christmas lunch. Robertson confirmed No 8 Kieran Read’s surgery on a prolapsed lumbar disc in his back went without a hitch last weekend.
He also confirmed props Joe Moody (shoulder) and Owen Franks (Achilles) and fullback/ wing Israel Dagg (knee) were progressing ‘‘really well’’ with their rehab.
The Crusaders have called in props Ryan Coxon (Tasman), Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki) and Auckland’s Ezekiel Lindenmuth (NZ under-20s) to help fill the void.
"[Franks and Moody] have got some clear marks that they reach along the way with their rehab, they’ve reached them all,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘For those two, they’re looking to get back around April."
Dagg, who didn’t require surgery after his season ended part way through the Rugby Championship, could be back for the start of the new season in late February.
‘‘He’s been really focussed on getting his knee as strong as he possibly can,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘It’s as hard as I’ve seen Izzy work. He knows that it’s a critical time for him in his career. He’s got two more years with us at the Crusaders and he wants to make it pretty special.’’