The Crusaders’ great Paladins

In a team built on a culture of unity, Vata Ngobeni takes a look at the New Zealand side’s most dangerous assets

SURELY, facing the Crusaders in a final must be the most daunting sight in Super Rugby.

As beatable as they are, they come to to face the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday with a pedigree for winning championships. And they do so with all the members of their match day team.

It is difficult to single out individuals in a team that works for each other and relies heavily on the team success for the individuals to thrive.

However, there are those men who are the glue to the Crusaders with what they bring on the field and also off it as well. There can be no avoiding the importance of leadership and experience in the success of the Crusaders in years gone by and this year where they have only lost one game.

So, it is particularly to the leadership that the Crusaders will look and try to upset the Lions in order to win a record eighth Super Rugby title.

Vital to the Crusaders’ success, will be captain Sam Whitelock, veteran No 8 and All Blacks captain Kieran Read, while the cunning and exciting play of Israel Dagg will be crucial in getting the visitor’s over the line.