Crusaders loaded for 2019
Scott Robertson and Sam Whitelock might spare a few minutes for an earnest conversation in coming days.
Even as the Crusaders celebrate their Super Rugby title defence in the wake of their 37-18 win over the Lions in Christchurch on Saturday night, key members of the organisation will find it difficult to resist thinking about what it will take to bulldoze through the competition next year.
Most certainly, a unique set of challenges await in 2019.
The World Cup, to be held in Japan in September-October, has the potential to be a distraction and given the Crusaders could have around 15 All Blacks on their books, coach Robertson and captain Whitelock will be mindful of managing what could be a tricky situation.
The positive news for the Crusaders is that their major framework will remain in place, because Robertson has already contracted the bulk of the squad beyond this season.
Although loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett is retiring, backrower Pete Samu is joining the Brumbies, wing Seta Tamanivalu is heading to France, and chief executive Hamish Riach is set join the Ashburton District Council, the organisation remains stable.
Robertson blooded 16 new players this season, including in the game against the French Barbarians in June.
‘‘Every time someone came in, they stood up,’’ Robertson said after the final. ‘‘It means two things. Our player group is setting them up to succeed, so our preparation is bang on, and I am just really proud we had nine All Blacks out and we beat the Chiefs away [in the round-robin].
‘‘And obviously the Hurricanes at home. Those are the games that you win, that give you a chance to win your conference.’’
While All Blacks openside Scott Robertson celebrates with his now customary breakdance flanker Matt Todd will skip the Mitre 10 to play in Japan, he will return. Assistant coaches Brad Mooar, Ronan O’Gara and Jason Ryan are also committed to remain for 2019.
Successful organisations attract talent and there is potential for many levels of the game in the region to benefit. Ambitious young men could travel to Canterbury or Tasman to attend the Crusaders’ academies, or simply go to these regions to try and crack the big time. The International High Performance Unit could also receive more registrations and add to the organisation’s coffers.
For now, the Crusaders will kick back and celebrate their success. After losing just two games at the front-end of the season, they won 15 games straight to go all the way.
With a couple of minutes left Robertson and his assistants left the coaching box, and as they descended the steps, they were received by rapturous applause.
Robertson acknowledged the fans with a fist-pump.
‘‘I get carried away pretty easily . . . I just enjoy the hype and you have got to live the moment, you don’t know when it is going to come again. I just try to make the most of each moment.’’
‘‘I get carried away pretty easily.’’