Onwards and upwards – the Crusade begins
The heat is intensifying for the Crusaders to bring a Super title back to Christchurch.
That is no news flash for coach Todd Blackadder, who captained the side to their competition three-peat in 1998-2000, and is now in his fourth season as head coach.
He is aware of the region’s expectations as he prepares to deliver his first crown. And he admits that weight of expectation is something he must accept as the boss of the most successful franchise in the championship.
‘‘The pressure is always there. Where there is expectation there is always pressure and when there are expectations there is scrutiny,’’ Blackadder said. ‘‘That is part of my job and I accept it.’’
The Crusaders, who have amassed a record seven titles since the competition began in 1996, are once again listed as favourites by the TAB.
Last year Blackadder’s boys were beaten 18-13 by the Queensland Reds in the final in Brisbane. It proved to be a cruel finish to their season after overcoming the hurdles of travelling away for every match because the earthquakes had damaged AMI Stadium.
But this year there are additional reasons for Crusaders supporters to be optimistic after they were denied any World Cup matches in Christchurch.
Christchurch Stadium should be completed for the fifth-round match against the Cheetahs on March 24, and although All Black stars Dan Carter and Richie Mccaw are still injured Blackadder has recruited a squad stacked with talent – including ex-all Black lock Tom Donnelly from the Highlanders.
Tonight the Crusaders start their campaign against the Blues at Auckland’s Eden Park.
A victory would send a powerful message to their enemies.
‘‘I desperately want to win this competition, don’t worry about that,’’ Blackadder added.
‘‘I feel we have got the team that is capable of winning it. From a personal level, yeah, I really want to do well. I want to take this team to win a championship.’’