Crusaders helped by Storm’s Bellamy
THE Crusaders don’t need Australia’s help to be on top of the Super Rugby ladder, but they’ve got it anyway in the form of top NRL coach Craig Bellamy.
The Melbourne Storm mentor was in the Crusaders’ coaching box at AAMI Park on Friday night, as the defending champions crushed the Melbourne Rebels 55-10.
Despite playing different codes, the two title-holding franchises, who share a long history of success, have formed a tight bond.
The teams had lunch together on Thursday and watched each other’s training sessions, while Bellamy was given the honour of presenting the Crusaders with their playing jerseys before the game.
‘‘Craig just talked about what he’d say to his Storm players and how he appreciated what we’d PHOTOSPORT done as a Crusaders team,’’ said Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.
He said he was a big admirer of Bellamy for his coaching success, but also his relationship with his players. ‘‘He’s been hugely successful and the big thing about being a coach is consistency,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘He’s won a lot of championships but his team has consistently performed for him.
‘‘He’s a pretty endearing bloke and he really cares about his players and that’s what I like about him.
‘‘He has some clear philosophies and principles he lives by and it’s great to connect with someone and get ideas.’’
Crusaders skipper Sam Whitelock said there was always something to learn from successful people and their organisations.
‘‘No matter who you’re talking to, whether it’s a union player, league player, football or business as well, there’s always going to be something to take,’’ Whitelock said.
‘‘There are things that reconfirm what you’re doing it right. We are always trying to learn and get better.’’ - AAP