Razor’s edge
Scott Robertson faces his biggest test yet as the Crusaders kick off a new era shorn of many of their biggest names. Robert van Royen reports in the final of our Super Rugby buildup series.
Staring down challenges is just the way Scott Robertson likes it. The Crusaders head coach doesn’t need telling the microscope will be on the back-to-back-to-back champions as they enter a new era, one without some of the greatest players in New Zealand and franchise history.
Can ‘‘Razor’’ ensure the Christchurch-based franchise keeps winning without Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Matt Todd, Ryan Crotty and Sam Whitelock (sabbatical)?
Hard-nosed flanker Jordan Taufua is another long-serving Crusader now playing overseas.
Throw in the other six departed players, including the retired Israel Dagg (89 caps) and midfielder Tim Bateman (50), and the Crusaders have been stripped of more than 1000 caps.
Robertson knew the day would come when he replaced Todd Blackadder as Crusaders coach ahead of the 2017 season, prompting him to sit down with general manager for professional rugby Angus Gardiner.
‘‘Myself and Angus Gardiner do a lot of work behind the scenes on our contracting. He’s exceptional at it and we knew this year was going to be a year for us to bring young guys through,’’ Robertson said.
It’s undoubtedly the forward pack where the Crusaders will look particularly different this year.
Loose forward Whetukamokamo Douglas was the only non All Black in their full-strength pack last year. Now, only loosehead prop Joe Moody, hooker Codie Taylor and captain and lock Scott Barrett remain.
Sure, Whitelock is returning after his Japanese sabbatical next year, but the Crusaders pack is set to have an infusion of youth.
‘‘It is [not a bad thing], because you’re excited about guys getting opportunities. A lot of the guys have been patient in waiting for this opportunity, now it’s their time,’’ Robertson said.
Among those set to see increased time are former New Zealand under 20s skipper and openside flanker Tom Christie, flanker Billy Harmon, tighthead prop Oli Jager and loose forward Tom Sanders.
Blindside flanker Ethan Blackadder was touted for a breakthrough year but busted his shoulder during the Mitre 10 Cup last year and will miss most of the season.
The loss of so many guns will likely be felt most late in games, when the hardened Crusaders pack regularly flexed their muscles and ground their counterparts’ mugs into the turf in recent years.
However, the 10-time champions are arguably more talented in the backs this year.
While Crotty’s experience and organisation will be missed, they are mostly otherwise stacked, particularly in the outside backs, where they possess All Blacks wings George Bridge and Sevu Reece.
Robertson also has to juggle David Havili, future All Black Will Jordan, Tasman’s blockbusting Leicester Faingaanuku, Manasa Mataele, who is back from a lengthy knee injury, and former Tongan sevens ace Fetuli Paea.
Proven depth behind pivot Richie Mo’unga is the only notable concern, after Mitchell Hunt headed to the Highlanders to chase his goal of cracking the All Blacks.
It leaves Brett Cameron and rookie Fergus Burke should Mo’unga go down injured, and when he’s taking his two required All Blacks rest weeks.
Cameron didn’t do enough in the pre-season to dispatch the doubters after a shaky rookie season last year, although Robertson maintains the 23-yearold just needs game-time to find his groove.
The Crusaders’ coaching team also has a fresh look about it, with former Canterbury and Japan assistant Scott Hansen and Welshman Mark Jones on deck after Brad Mooar and Ronan O’Gara moved on.
Cast your eyes across the schedule, and Crusaders fans have little to complain about.
Their byes fall in rounds five and 11, meaning Robertson doesn’t need to worry about ensuring his eight All Blacks avoid playing the maximum of six straight matches until down the stretch.
A year after winning the title the same year as the World Cup for the first time in 20 years, the
Crusaders now have a chance to become the first team to win four titles in as many years. Robertson, the only person to win three straight as both a player and coach (both with Crusaders), isn’t about to shy away from the opportunity.
‘‘It’s how you frame it, it’s how you look at it. Awesome opportunity and a challenge in itself. This new group of guys have brought their own energy into it and it’s just about doing it every day and then you get consistency.
‘‘We’ve got a new theme, a really good mindset for the year. Now, we’ll just go and have some fun.’’