Ellis revels in Crusaders results
Andy Ellis seems an ideal candidate to provide an opinion on whether he believes the unbeaten Crusaders have changed their onfield tactics from previous years.
Unlike his old team-mates, who are still locked into the New Zealand rugby circuit, the former All Blacks halfback who represented the Crusaders and Canterbury for over a decade can provide a unique insight into why the Crusaders have morphed into the giant killers of Super Rugby.
Ellis, who leaves Christchurch on Tuesday to begin pre-season training with his club in Japan, is revelling in the Crusaders’ hot streak which will be extended to 10 wins if they can whack the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday morning (NZT).
Under new coach Scott Robertson the side hasn’t radically changed the strategies favoured by former boss Todd Blackadder, but the results have been far more appealing.
Ellis, 33, has kept a close watch on his old team’s fortunes, and notes Robertson hasn’t shredded the playbooks in terms of using possession.
‘‘It definitely hasn’t changed, I don’t think,’’ Ellis said.
‘‘But they have got that belief, and we talk about that a lot in rugby circles. If you have overwhelming belief in what you are doing, it is such a great feeling when you run out and feel like you are going to win.
‘‘It is weird, but that is the best way I can explain it. You run out going, ‘I am not too sure who we are playing this week but I am pretty sure we are going to win’.
‘‘You don’t want to get too carried away, but I think there is that kind of feeling in the team at the moment.’’ The Crusaders still knit together multiple phases in attack, when they go from side to side, can apply the heat up the guts with driving mauls, and have avoided the habit of kicking the ball away too often.
The dramatic comeback wins against the Highlanders, Reds and Blues earlier in the season have been like rocket fuel, says Ellis.
Significantly, injuries in the first 10 rounds have failed to punch the Crusaders off the rails.
Israel Dagg is still recovering from a knee operation, and Digby Ioane has yet to return from surgery on his pinky finger. Matt Todd, Richie Mo’unga, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Tim Bateman, Jed Brown and Mitchell Dunshea have also been hurt at various stages of the season. Backup hooker Ben Funnell didn’t travel to South Africa because he has been on paternity leave.
Kieran Read, who missed the first six games following wrist surgery, will be out for around six weeks after fracturing his thumb, and captain Sam Whitelock won’t play the next two games due to suspension.
Whetu Douglas, initially recruited as injury cover for Read and then released to prepare for his move to Italy later this month, was supposed to return against the Hurricanes and Chiefs before withdrawing at late notice because of family reasons.
So Robertson has had his challenges.
The draw has also been relatively kind for the Crusaders. The matches against the Hurricanes and Chiefs in Christchurch and Suva over the next week could be pivotal.
Ellis, who played under Robertson when he was in charge of Canterbury, said it would be an error to judge the coach on his post-match break dancing antics after winning titles with the provincial and NZ under-20 teams.
‘‘I think he (Robertson) likes the fact that people think he is a bit of a lad,’’ Ellis said.
‘‘But he is a very smart guy and has a way about him that when he talks and delivers a message, that people stop and listen.
‘‘And there are not many people like that. He definitely is a lad, don’t get me wrong. He is one of the greats for having a good time, and a laugh. But when it is on, it is on.’’
Ellis played in the last Crusaders team to beat the Bulls in Pretoria, a 54-19 victory in 2008.
He expects the Crusaders, even though they will be without suspended captain Sam Whitelock and Read, to snap that dry run.
The home side won’t be able to match the speed and offloading game of the tourists, he believes.
So what about Ellis, who played his 11th and final season for the Crusaders last year – does he miss playing Super Rugby?
‘‘No. I thought I would but I really enjoy sitting down, having a few beers and watching a game,’’ he says.
‘‘I think I was just ready to move on.’’