It’s business as usual for Mauger

Crusaders assistant coach Aaron Mauger has shrugged off his last hurrah with the franchise – and that of greats Dan Carter and Richie McCaw – as business as usual, but admits there will be sadness when he finally clears his desk.

The 34-year-old will be in the Crusaders’ coaching box for the last time on Saturday, in Canberra for the season-ending match against the Brumbies, before heading to England where he will assume the job of head coach at Leicester Tigers, for whom he played 53 matches between 2007 and 2010.

Mauger acknowledges failing to feature in the playoffs for the first time since 2001 is not the way he, or McCaw and Carter for that matter, wanted to bow out from a franchise he played 82 matches for and returned to coach at after his playing retirement.

But winning in Canberra against the Brumbies, one of the Crusaders’ arch enemies, would help alleviate the pain.

‘‘It’s a bit of a tough one really, the Crusaders haven’t been in this position for 14 years,’’ he said.

‘‘But there’s still motivation for us, it’s just a different motivation. Pride is probably the biggest one, team pride and also personal pride for some of our individuals,’’ he said. ‘‘We’re sending off some of our legends, which have represented the jersey so well over the years, so it’s important we send them off in style.’’

McCaw is expected to retire at the end of the World Cup and Carter, along with Colin Slade and Tom Taylor, is off to France after the global tournament.

‘‘It’s business as usual for me and we’ll deal with that later on,’’ Mauger said of any sentimentality.

‘‘Probably when the boys are packing up their boots in the changing room, and for myself packing up my desk, it might be a little sad but there are some great people here and the place is in good hands. I’m sure it will be strong for years to come.

‘‘You never know what might happen in future, too, I’d love to potentially come back one day and be a part of New Zealand rugby and if it’s here [in Christchurch], that would be great.’’

There are no thoughts of buttoning off now they have done their dash this season.

Mauger said there had been no calls from All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to request players be rested from the dead rubber.

No 8 Kieran Read and first fiveeighth Colin Slade after overcoming concussion and a quad injury, respectively.

Lock Sam Whitelock is also expected to start, but centre Robbie Fruean has been scratched and could face a long stint on the sideline. Fruean suffered ligament damage to a knee during Saturday’s 34-11 win over the Blues and will be assessed by a specialist on Friday.

There are some great people here and the place is in good hands. Aaron Mauger, right, with Todd Blackadder