Crusaders simply relentless
Scott Robertson isn’t worried about having to shut his red-hot Crusaders juggernaut down from Super Rugby for a month.
Despite a couple of turbulent weeks, which included having to deal with suspensions to Owen Franks and Joe Moody and injuries to fellow internationals Sam Whitelock and Ryan Crotty, as well as the disruption of the All Blacks’ camps, the Crusaders defied the odds to keep winning and are now on the cusp of securing a home quarterfinal.
The 34-20 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night, the title holders’ 10th consecutive victory of the season, was the work of a title-hungry beast.
It not only cemented the Crusaders at the top of the competition log, and it would require a string of unexpected results in the final three regular-season rounds to blow them off their perch, but once again reinforced they are capable of dealing with significant disruptions.
Losing All Blacks Jordan Taufua (sore calf) and Jack Goodhue (tight hamstring) at late notice could have been catastrophic prior to playing the Chiefs, but instead the Crusaders just squinted their eyes and raised their gloves in preparation for the stoush at FMG Stadium.
‘‘One thing for sure, it has been an interesting couple of weeks,’’ Robertson said with a laugh.
‘‘You think you are trucking along OK in terms of injuries and building a bit of depth, and then you have to bring in another debutant in the likes of Tima Faingaanuku [a late replacement on the bench in Hamilton].’’
Jabbing a finger in the direction of reserve loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett, who was making his 200th appearance for the Crusaders was a reminder of what was also at stake, said Robertson. In other words, the post-match beer would taste a bit flat if they hadn’t given the bloke something to celebrate.
‘‘A lot of our mindset for the week was to make sure we showed the effort – for what Wyatt has done for the club over a long period of time. And we did.’’
Centre Seta Tamanivalu was voted best player by his team-mates, a reflection of his work in defence and ability to combine with David Havili, who was switched to the midfield following the injury to Goodhue.
Robertson isn’t a drama king. Good thing, too, because there might be a few more bumps before this ride is finished.
With the All Blacks scheduled to play France in a three-test series, the Crusaders, who have contributed nine men to the national squad, must pray they don’t return to the club nursing serious injuries ahead of the remaining regular season games against the Highlanders and Blues in Christchurch.
What is in the Crusaders’ favour is that have a bye after the test window, allowing the players an extra week to recover. Now
they will ease themselves into a holding pattern.
There are games to be played against the French Barbarians in Christchurch on June 15 and the Western Force in Perth a week later.
Robertson scheduled the games because he wants the non-All Blacks to retain their edge. ‘‘I am thinking of guys who have not had a lot of game time, like Mitch Dunshea, Billy Harmon and Ethan Blackadder, who is in incredible form, to continue that.
‘‘These games are critical for us to keep our momentum. We need to freshen-up and re-energise and the boys understand that.’’
This has to also be balanced with the need to let players freshen-up both mentally and physically.
‘‘It is a real mindset thing I drive with the boys all the time,’’ Robertson added. ‘‘Some might have two weeks off, like play the French game and then have the one against the Force off. All players will be individually managed.’’