Hurricanes storm past Crusaders

On Saturday night the Hurricanes took on the Crusaders in Wellington, in what was really a must-win

game for both franchises. After losing to the Hurricanes in round seven, the Crusaders were looking to even the score but came up short, with the Hurricanes taking out the game 16-9.

The Crusaders were the under-dogs going into the game, missing captain Richie McCaw through a rib injury, and explosive outside back Nemani Nadolo, who was on duty for the Fijian national team. From the start of the game, one had the sense that the Hurricanes were going to be too strong for the Crusaders to beat, even with the early losses of Victor Vito (calf) and Alapati Leiua (ankle).

While the Crusaders were the dominant team at the set piece, the Hurricanes were powerful when on defense, and threatening when on attack. Julian Savea was at his typical best and made a few storming runs which had the crowd on their feet and screaming. I was very surprised when the final whistle blew and Savea didn't have a try to his name... or three tries!

The Hurricanes forwards were also dominant; Brad Shields in particular, had an impressive game, forcing turnovers and he stole the ball on more than one occasion. It was great to see him have a decent stint on the field, after a season plagued by injuries.

No write-up about the game would be complete without mentioning Blade Thomson. Not only was he effective on both attack and defense, he also scored the Hurricanes' two tries... not only is it rare to see the Hurricanes forwards scoring tries, it is even rarer to see one scoring two tries! I, for one, am looking forward to seeing him in the amber and black of Taranaki in the ITM Cup!

Hurricanes' first five, Beauden Barrett, had an uncharacteristically bad night with the boot, kicking at 66% after missing 3/5 attempts at goal. Unlike Barrett, Crusaders first five Colin Slade had a perfect night with the boot, slotting 3/3 before he went off in the second half with concussion. Slade was replaced by Dan Carter, in his first appearance since coming back from sabbatical. Carter's performance wasn't particularly memorable, but it was good to see him back in red and black!

The game was predictably a very physical one. A scuffle between Dane Coles and Andy Ellis turned into an all-out brawl, with most players on the field either involved in the scuffle, or trying to break it up. The ref spoke to both captains, but there were no yellow cards resulting from the brawl.

A yellow card was however given to Matt Todd, early in the first half, for entering the ruck from the side. After his ten minutes in the naughty chair, Todd returned and went on to give the most complete performance by any of the Crusaders forwards. He made a 18 tackles, the most of any Crusader, and third only to Ardie Savea and Ben Lam (both with 20). As well having the highest number of tackles, Todd also ran the most metres (38) of any of the Crusaders.

Neither team gave a perfect performance. The Crusaders were great at lineout and scrum time, but they made far too many handling errors, seeming to only ever go a maximum of five phases before dropping the ball or knocking it on. The Hurricanes were the opposite. Their scrum was – let's face it – awful, their lineout was marginally better, but their handling was GOOD. Had the Crusaders' handling been better, they could have won the game. Had the Hurricanes been better at the set piece, they could have won the game by a far more sizeable margin.

The Crusaders' seeming reluctance to use players off the bench is potentially another reason they failed to secure the win. Luke Whitelock was having an off night and should have been replaced at half time by Kieran Read. Slade, while having a good night kicking for goal, had a shocker of a night when it came to kicking for touch, with hardly any of his attempts being successful. I was surprised (as was the rest of the nation, it seemed) that he wasn't replaced until well into the second half, and then it was only because of his concussion test.

In all, the game was a bit of a let-down for me. And not just because the Crusaders lost! I was hoping for a fast-paced, high-scoring game full of lots of flashy running. I wanted it to be a thriller, a game that came down to the last second (think Highlanders v Crusaders from round 15). I wanted try after try after try. Alas, it was not on the cards.

Am I sad the Crusaders lost? Yes. Am I worried about the Crusaders' finals hopes? Yes. Do I think the best team won on the night though? Yes. Yes I do.

{25 days of hotness} day twenty four

{25 days of hotness}

day twenty four

... do I really need to introduce this guy?
(Richie McCaw... OBVIOUSLY!)

{25 days of hotness} day twenty three

{25 days of hotness}

day twenty three

MATT TODD
*Crusaders, Canterbury, All Blacks*

{25 days of hotness} day twenty

{25 days of hotness} 

day twenty

ZAC GUILDFORD
*Crusaders, Hawke's Bay & Maori All Blacks*

{25 days of hotness} day eighteen

{25 days of hotness} 

day eighteen

RYAN CROTTY
*Crusaders, Canterbury & All Blacks*

ITM Cup hotty of the week

Ryan Crotty!

age:  25

position:  midfield

teams:  Canterbury, Crusaders, All Blacks

ITM Cup hotty of the week

Zac Guildford!

age:  24

position:  wing

teams:  Hawke's Bay, Crusaders, Maori All Blacks

First I become one-eyed... Now I'm supporting an AUSTRALIAN team???

It is fair to say that I no longer know myself.
Well.  I actually know myself very well, BUT if you compare 2011 Emma to 2013 Emma, you will notice two very disturbing facts.

Firstly, I have transitioned from being a staunch Highlanders supporter & staunch disliker of the Crusaders, to a HUGE Crusaders fan, who giggles a little at how badly the Highlanders are doing in the 2013 Super Rugby season.

It's hard to NOT love those Crusaders boys....

The Crusaders thing though - I think it's understandable - it is LOVE afterall, which made me switch allegiances so drastically.  I fell in love with a woman who supports the Crusaders, and slowly but surely her influence had an impact on me, and before  long I was screaming FOR the Crusaders, rather than AGAINST the Crusaders.  I was part of the same one-eyed crowd at games, that I had so often insulted and rolled my eyes at, when I was a firm gold & blue supporter.  In what must have been a hard ask for my father, he accepted that I now cheered for the other side, and has continued to love me, as if something terribly shocking hasn't happened.

THE reason I switched Super Rugby franchise allegiances

But.

There is no way I can tell him about my new rugby love.  My other favourite team.  The other colours I would wear with pride (... if they were sold over here...).  I fear it would be too much for him to handle.

I, Emma, hereby declare that I.... I... Um...

I support the Melbourne Rebels.  Proudly.

Yes.  You heard it here folks. I am now paritcularly fond of an AUSTRALIAN rugby team.

I can't explain how it happened, or why it happened, or even when it happened.  One day I was a Crusaders-only supporter, and the next day I was suddenly a Crusaders-and-Rebels supporter.  Some may argue that it's not that much of a stretch for a New Zealander to support the Rebels, because a lot of the team ARE from New Zealand.  BUT.  At the end of the day, the Rebels are an AUSTRALIAN team.  Australian.  From Australia.  You know.  New Zealand's rugby nemesis.

The Kiwi connection is impossible to ignore

So, why do I seem to love them so?

• Did you see all the man love moments when they beat the Waratahs???  It was spectacular, tear

  

  Also VERY hard to ignore is this rather delicious man
  ex Wellington Lions player, Jason Woodward...

  inducing stuff!
• The excitement and pride they displayed upon beating the Stormers & clocking up their first win against a South African team... again, it was excellent.
• They seem to have an awesome team culture.
• My favourite Australian players seem to play for the Rebels... Hugh Pyle.  Laurie Weeks.  Scott Higginbotham.  Lachie Mitchell.  Rory Sidey.  Mitch Inman.  Luke Jones.
• And then, there ARE all those Kiwi boys on the team... James King, Cooper Vuna, Ged Robinson, Scott Fuglistaller.
• Jason Woodward (also qualifies in the 'and then, there ARE all those Kiwi boys on the team' category, but I felt he deserved his own category).  The man is HOT.

Man love. 
It's a beautiful thing.

It's even at the stage we are planning to go to Melbourne so we can see a Rebels game in person.  Sadly it probably works out just as cheap flying to Melbourne for a game, as it would flying within New Zealand.

So there you have it.  I'm a COMPLETE rugby traitor... 

Unrestrained Manliness 2.0 - Bigger & Bearder

A little over a year ago, I blogged about Unrestrained Manliness.  The focus of 'Unrestrained Manliness 1.0', was Cory Jane - who I found looked rather epic with a beard.

2013 is also the year of unrestrained manliness - but this year Cory Jane is out & there is a new coverboy for 'UM'....

RYAN CROTTY!

Just take a look.... the man ROCKS the beard.  He is damn sexy without it, but sexy x 1,000,000 with it.  What is even better is that he KNOWS how to rock the beard - Crotty, unlike so many players - seems to understand that there is a fine line between HAWT and Tom-Hanks-in-Castaway-bushiness.  The 'beard of awesome' as we refer to it, has been in existence for a few weeks now  - and rather than just growing and growing and growing it, Crotty obviously understands the importance of beard maintenance... each week it goes from strength to strength... from hotness to hotness.

Ryan Crotty & the beard of awesome, we salute you!

The beard of awesome.  It really is spectacular.

The beard of awesome gives Crotty amazing powers... he can fly!

It's just... sexy.

Rugga boys get their groove on

...... we absolutely love this video, so I felt the need to share it right here....  I cannot hear the name 'Liam Messam' now, without adding a little 'oooo oooo oooo oooo ooo ooooo ooo' afterward.

Without further ado....

..... and while we are at it, I also give you the Crusaders 'Harlem Shake', just because I can.

Suppose I should probably include the Blues 'Harlem Shake' as well...  Graham Henry is the mascot... that in itself is worth a look.

I shall be back in the very near future, to give my thoughts on the Super XV to date, and also the potential All Blacks squad for the June internationals, v France.

Crusaders Backs Woes Over! Oh Wait...........

(also published on Pink Rugby)

Johnny McNicholl being awesome

If you remember, I recently blogged about the doom and gloom surrounding the Crusaders outside backs.

In case you don't remember, here is a brief rundown:

Zac Guildford (who it is clear I am rather fond of) was out of rugby indefinitely, due to what the media liked to call 'off field issues' – aka, alcoholism. Sean Maitland had moved to greener, colder pastures to play for Glasgow and Scotland. Israel Dagg was suddenly the most senior, experienced member of the outside backs, with Tom Marshall and Adam Whitelock adding SOME experience – but no international experience. Johnny McNicholl was the new kid, the yet-to-be-capped debutant who had impressed in the 2012 ITM Cup.

THEN, a sigh of relief was breathed when (two weeks after my initial piece was published), Zac was reinstated to the Crusaders and FINALLY some of the much needed experience was back. Furthermore, Tom Marshall had been putting on some rather impressive displays on the wing and at fullback, while young Johnny McNicholl was also making his mark on the game, proving he was more than up to the standard required to play at Super XV level. It seemed that between Dagg, Guildford, Marshall and McNicholl, the Crusaders were onto something.

After two losses on the run, the Crusaders returned to Christchurch and took on the Bulls. Tom Marshall scored a sublime solo-effort try from halfway, Johnny McNicholl notched up his first Super XV try, and Israel Dagg gave a solid performance at fullback. After what had been a dismal,

Tom Marshall
arguably the in form Crusader of the season

disappointing, worrisome start to the season, the Crusaders seemed to be back on track. Zac Guildford joined with the team the day before the match, and it is said he addressed the team and gave a very emotional, inspirational speech – which both captain and coach said inspired the team to win. The team was complete. They were back together – and the following week Zac would be up for selection. It seemed that the Crusaders outside back woes were a thing of the past.

The following week, Zac was selected on the bench for the game against the Kings, with Dagg, Marshall and McNicholl in the starting 15. It was assumed that Zac would go on with 20-30 minutes left on the clock – a chance to give him a bit of a hit out, to wean him back into the game gently.

Zac Guildford ran onto the field in the starting 15 that night – and it wasn't because of a last minute shuffle either. No. That would have been too easy. Too straightforward. Instead, Zac Guildford was promoted from bench to starting 15 because of an injury. A hamstring injury to Israel Dagg – which is ironic, because a hamstring injury is what kept Zac out of most of the 2012 ITM Cup.

Matt Todd crosses the tryline against the Stormers

Adam Whitelock moved to the bench, Tom Marshall went to fullback, Zac reclaimed the #11 jersey, with Johnny moving to the #14 jersey. The team went on to win – and to win well. Tom Marshall again played exceptionally well, and the fact that Israel Dagg wasn't on the field didn't seem like such a huge deal at the end of the day. Besides, Izzy only had a hamstring strain, and it was confirmed he would be back the following week, when the Crusaders were to play the Stormers in Cape Town.

A glorious sight to behold....

What a relief, the Crusaders would have their strongest outside back trio for the Stormers – a game that would undoubtedly be their toughest match of the season to date.

Guildford was named on the bench again, with McNicholl, Dagg and Marshall in the 11, 15 and 14 jerseys. McNicholl had proven himself and Guildford would provide fresh (very experienced) legs off the bench – something that would be very beneficial in what would undoubtedly be a very physical encounter against the Stormers. Adam Whitelock was also named on the bench, as cover for the midfield backs – a good way to ensure all the outside backs got a bit of game time.

BUT THEN.... (go on, you were expecting a 'but then', weren't you!!!)

On Friday morning I was greeted by a tweet on Twitter, casually mentioning that Israel Dagg had

The team were sans Israel Dagg, again

again withdrawn from the team, due to that pesky tight hamstring. This time it wasn't as simple as putting Zac in the starting 15 and having Adam Whitelock replace him on the bench. If you remember, Adam Whitelock was already ON the bench. No problem – we know Tom Taylor can play at fullback if need be. OH WAIT. He was unavailable because of an INJURY!

The Crusaders were officially lacking someone to sit on the bench in the #22 jersey. There was no one to fill in as a replacement for the outside backs.

So.... the coaching team did what any coaching team would do – and put a flanker on the bench for the outside backs. One would imagine that the coaching team hoped and prayed they wouldn't need to use him. As long as there were no injuries, they would be fine.

Naturally, Johnny McNicholl broke his ankle in the 20^th minute of the game.

The team catch their breath... for a minute

A collective “OH F**K!” could be heard across Crusader-land (well, if it hadn't been 6.30am local time, I'm sure it would have been) as McNicholl was carted off the field, his season over. The situation for the outside backs was suddenly looking dire again.

Adam Whitelock took Johnny's place on the wing and the midfield backs played out the full 80 minutes, so there was no need for history to repeat itself and for a flanker to be thrown from the scrum to the wing. Yea. That happened before. In 2011 Matt Todd had to play on the wing due to injuries amongst the backs. The game was against the Stormers. In Cape Town. Deja vu anyone?

The Crusaders – sans Richie McCaw, Kieran Read (injured), Dan Carter (on paternity leave), Israel

So serious, boys!

Dagg and Owen Franks (off after 20 minutes with a rib injury), went on to unexpectedly beat the Stormers. It's an enormous undertaking for a team to beat a South African franchise in South Africa, but for a team to do it when missing who could be argued to be their most influential players – it's almost a miracle.

The final score was 19-14, with the Crusaders only try coming from Matt Todd – the remaining 15 points all being kicked by understudy to Dan Carter, Tyler Bleyendaal. The Crusaders attacking AND defensive efforts were amazing (in fairness, so were the Stormers), and by recording the win, they surely sent a message to the other Super XV franchises. A very scary message at that.

Jubilation after an amazing effort by the boys in
Red and Black.
Well.
White and Red.

BUT (remember, there is always a but!) ther Crusaders are again in a very precarious position with regard to their outside backs. Telusa Veainu has been called in as back up for McNicholl – but he is it for the remainder of the competition. Another Crusaders outside back being injured would be a major problem for the franchise, and hopefully a problem that doesn't eventuate.

On a personal level, I am hugely upset by the injury to Johnny. I became excited by him in the 2012 ITM Cup and just knew he'd get a Super XV contract – which he did. I've loved watching his progress and seeing him impress in his first year with the Crusaders. My plan had been to do a Kiwi Focus piece on Johnny later on in the season, when he was the player everyone was talking about – but obviously that won't be happening now...

The Return of Zac!

(also published on Pink Rugby)

A collective sigh was heard in Crusader-land last Thursday, when Zac Guildford was officially

He's baaaaaack!

reinstated to the franchise.  After an off field incident in January, Zac voluntarily stood down from the team in order to seek help for alcohol issues.

While those who support the red and blacks (including yours truly) may have felt a sense of relief, a lot of people were also of the ‘NZRU, what ARE you thinking, giving this kid yet another chance, after he’s let you down time after time’ persuasion.  My Dad (a staunch Highlanders man, born and bred in Otago) was part of this group, going as far as to tell me, “If he apologises again… I hope his head explodes”.

Oh tattoos - how I have missed you!

Zac’s (very pretty) head was in no danger of exploding however.  The very first question asked of him, during his 17 minute press conference was “Zac, are you an alcoholic?”, a question to which he simply and honestly replied “Yes,”.  He added that he knew people’s patience was getting thin, and there wasn’t even the slightest hint of an apology given.  Instead Zac said “I have a great acceptance of who I am” – which appeared to be his new mantra, as several times during the press conference, he mentioned the fact he now has a better understanding of himself, as well as a greater acceptance of who he is as a person.  As an alcoholic.

What I got from his press conference (well, the second time I watched it and managed to concentrate on what he was saying, rather than how spectacularly good he is looking like the first time), is that the past 60 days for him have been full of self reflection and soul searching.  It seems that for the first time since he came onto the rugby scene in 2007, Zac is concentrating solely on himself.  After leaving Christchurch, Zac checked in for an intensive 28 day treatment for alcohol addiction, and that, combined with the support he has obviously received over the past two months, Zac seems to be a changed man.

the man does orange well!

The Zac who was speaking at the press conference was a far more mature, in control Zac than we have seen in his past post-misconduct-hearing press conferences.  Rather than talking about how he had let his team, coaches, family, friends and country down, Zac was accountable for his own actions.  After stating that his actions were his and his alone, he said “I don’t think I need sympathy, I’ve made mistakes and now I’m looking forward,”.  Zac went on to say “the road I’ve been on for the last 60 days has been a happy and pleasant one,” and that he is “in a good headspace now, the happiest [he's] been in a long time actually”.  All of this was said with such conviction and strength that it was easy to see he meant it, and wasn’t saying it to keep the powers that be happy.

... looking particularly fit!

Zac also alluded a lot to the fact he has a great support network this time round, consisting not only of the professionals who are helping him deal with being an alcoholic, but also his friends, family and team mates. One must imagine that one of his biggest supporters comes in the shape of his partner (and successful jockey), Samantha Spratt.  Sam stood up for her man in the media, an act which immediately put me on ‘team Sam’ (which is hard considering the mere sight of the man kills me… in a good way).  Sam spoke out about Zac being misrepresented and misunderstood by the media, saying “he is such a great guy and it has been publicised that he is a monster,”, a fact which was also repeated by others who spoke out for Zac.  Sam then went on to say that the media overlook all the positives about Zac, such as how great he is with kids – including her 7 year old son.

I must agree with Sam here.  At a Crusaders public training session in 2012, Zac took time out to talk

All suited up and............. *shakes head*.. uhhh...

to my (at the time) 5 year old daughter (Gaby), and was then  more than happy to get a photo taken with her and her little friend.  Zac never once showed signs of impatience, and you could see that he wasn’t doing it to look good, he was doing it because it’s the type of guy he is.  This was the same training where Israel Dagg led my daughter stray, convincing her to go onto the field during a media conference – then stood laughing and egging her on.  In December, at a charity cricket event, a friend and I were witness to Zac hanging out and playing cricket with a 5 year old cancer sufferer – Lachie, who he has developed a special bond with over the last year.  The bond is so special and strong that Lachie’s parents also spoke to the media in defense of Zac, while most were bagging him and calling for his contract to be torn up.

It’s easy to forget that while Zac is a professional rugby player, he IS also just a 24 year year old man, who enjoys doing what other 24 year olds do.  It is a fact that a lot of people Zac’s age enjoy binge drinking – something which is undeniably a major problem in New Zealand.  ‘The old Zac’ (as Zac referred to who he was prior to the events which unfolded in January) did what thousands of Kiwi men and women do every weekend, but his public profile meant that any indescretion brought him into the spotlight.  Zac said himself, with regard to drinking, that it was “part of who I was growing up, we all did it,”, and while it is certainly no excuse (and Zac wasn’t using the point as an excuse), it is certainly something a lot of Kiwis can relate to.  I know that I can.  I know that my sister can.  I know that my friends can.

Looking very serious just prior to his
press conference

My hope is that as Zac continues on his road to recovery, he will become an inspiration and role model to other young Kiwis, who will hopefully realise that it’s okay to ask for help, or to admit that you have a problem.  It’s one thing for young people to be TOLD  that it’s okay to ask for help, that it’s okay to admit you have a problem, and to be told there is a way through it, but being told that by someone they can relate to, and even admire, may potentially make a difference.  Of course Zac Guildford can’t singlehandedly fix New Zealand’s binge drinking culture, but if his speaking out can  help steer one young (or not so young) person down a better, more positive track – surely that would be an accomplishment to be proud of.

It seems that Zac being given the go ahead to return to the Crusaders  gave the men in red and black the morale boost they needed.  Just two days after it was made official that Zac would be returning, the team went on to rack up their first win of the season, whipping the Bulls 6 tries to 1, in a 41-19 drubbing at home on Saturday night.  Both (captain) Kieran Read and (coach) Todd Blackadder made mention of the fact that Zac had inspired the team when addressing them upon his return, and that with Zac back in the fold it felt as if the Crusaders were a family again.  Toddy also went on to say there is no trust that needs to be earnt back –  the team are all behind Zac and they are willing to do whatever it takes to help him on his journey.

Welcome back to the Crusaders, Zac!

Zac spoke of rugby and of the Crusaders with such passion, that I have a feeling we are going to be seeing not only a new and improved ‘Zac Guildford, the person’, but also a new and improved ‘Zac Guildford, the rugby player’.  If that is the case, it is something that could pay dividends for the Crusaders… and create massive headaches for their opponents.  Perhaps this new, improved, responsible, accountable (and don’t forget spectacularly good looking!) Zac Guildford can do his part to bring the Super XV trophy back home to Crusader-land, for the first time since 2008.

Big Boots to Fill....

(also published on Pink Rugby)

After their first two games in the 2013 Super 15 campaign, it is clear that the Crusaders have some

Matt Todd
ready to make his mark in 2013

work to do to live up to fan (and critics) expectations.  One player is bound to be feeling that more than anyone though – because he has been given the gargantuan task of filling the boots of undoubtedly the most loved, feared, influential Crusader of all time.  Obviously I’m talking about ‘Captain Fantastic’, Richie McCaw.  With McCaw on his sabbatical until after the three test series against the French in June, the pressure is on second-choice #7 – Matt Todd, to perform… and to perform well!

24 year old Todd, who celebrates his 25^th birthday later this month, is on his third season with the Crusaders, boasting 36 caps for the franchise – even if that is still 8 seasons and 90-odd caps less than the man he is inevitably going to be compared against.  Matt is going to have to try and win over the die-hard Richie fans and the rugby community in general – which one must imagine, will not be an easy feat.  A few good games and one must imagine the coaches and rugby community will be happy enough having Todd as first-choice flanker, but winning the hearts of McCaw’s fans – who, as with all Crusader and Cantabrian rugby fans in general, are very one eyed, may be a harder task for the young understudy.

While every move that Todd makes is going to be scrutinised and rated against the would-McCaw-have-done-that scale, this season is also going to provide him with the perfect opportunity to show the All Black selectors what he is capable of.  Considering the All Blacks are playing three tests against the French in June – without their stalwart #7, there is every chance that if Matt Todd performs well enough during the Super 15, he could be called in as back up to Sam Cane, in the #7 role.  In 2011 he flew from Christchurch to Auckland and helped out at one of the RWC trainings – making it clear that even though he hasn’t made the cut yet, he is certainly in the selectors peripheral vision.

Zac is Back!

My love for Zac Guildford is something that has widely been expressed in this blog, therefore I find it impossible to not share my excitement...... ZAC IS BACK!

After his misconduct hearing with the NZRU, he has been reinstated to the Crusaders (thank god for THAT!) - and here's hoping this represents a new beginning for Zac... the start of a bigger, brighter rugby career, and life in general!  He publicly admitted that he is an alcoholic, and spoke at length about it during his press conference yesterday.  I have to say, I fully believed every word he said... He seems a lot more grown up, mature and responsible than the Zac of old.  Obviously this past 60-ish days has had a profound affect, and has changed him.

On a lighter, much visually appealing, sexy note...

Press conference = photos!

 

Oh yea.  Zac is back alright!

Crusaders Backline Woes....

(also published on Pink Rugby)

One year ago the Crusaders had a formidable outside back trio, consisting of Sean Maitland, Zac

The gorgeous Mr Guildford.  GONE.

Guildford and Israel Dagg.  Between them the three had 80 caps for the Crusaders, with Israel Dagg and Zac Guildford each having a respective 25 and 18 caps for another franchise (Dagg, Highlanders and Guildford, Hurricanes) – between the three they had amassed 190 points for the Crusaders (and that’s not counting Guildford and Daggs combined 16 tries (80 points) for the Hurricanes or Highlanders).  By the end of the 2012 Super XV season all had added more tries to their tally -  Sean Maitland had 23 (115 points), Zac Guildford with 19 (95 points) under his belt, and Israel Dagg had a total of 12 (60 points).

Fast forward to the start of the 2013 Super XV competition and the landscape is a lot different for the Crusaders, as far as their outside backs go.  GONE is Sean Maitland (54 caps), whom unwanted by the Crusaders for 2013, took up a contract with the Glasgow Warriors, and was soon promoted to a regular starting spot on the Scotland team, for the Six Nations – where he scored a try on debut, and is now in contention for a place in the British Lions, to tour Australia.  GONE is Zac Guildford, who after

Sean Maitland.  GONE.

another off field indiscretion, stood himself down from the Crusaders, for what could potentially be the entirety of the 2013 campaign, in order to seek support and treatment for alcohol issues.
No problem – they have back up, in the form of Kurt Baker… or not, as he injured his hamstring, playing Sevens, and cannot play.  Then there is Johnny McNicholl (currently injured, hoping to be back for the round 4 match v Hurricanes) – signed to the franchise after an epic 2012 ITM Cup campaign with cup winners, Canterbury.  While he had an awesome season in the ITM Cup, it is well known that while going from Super XV to test match rugby is a big step up, the same can be said for going from ITM Cup level, to Super XV level.  Teluesa Veainu has been called in on a short term basis, from the Highlanders – but is yet to be seen at 1^st class level for the Crusaders, and with only 5 caps, doesn’t exactly bring a wealth of experience to the set up.

All is not lost – there are a couple of players with 20+ caps to their names, who could

Israel Dagg.  NOT GONE.
Phew.

provide a little stability and leadership to the backline (along with Israel Dagg).  Adam Whitelock looks to be a regular feature amongst the outside back trio, and his 42 caps and 7 tries show that he is useful to have on the field.  Tom Marshall will add to that with his 24 caps and 3 tries for the Red and Blacks…  But neither are exactly up to par with Sean Maitland or Zac Guildford, are they?  There is also the utility back, Tom Taylor, who provides an extra option when it comes to the fullback position.  That said, he seems to excel at the #10 and #12 positions, where he has fast become a very obvious understudy to Dan Carter, having some magical performances with the boot in the 2012 season, notably against the Stormers, when he scored all the Crusaders points and won the game for them.  Taylor seems as out of place at fullback, as Israel Dagg does on the wing (think 2013, round 3 v Blues… and that’s as much as I will say about that).

On paper, the Crusaders can form a competitive outside back trio – just one that in most cases is lacking in Super XV

Tom Marshall (with Matt Todd)
... needs to step up

experience.  Aside from Tom Marshall, Adam Whitelock and Israel Dagg, the reamining three ‘true’ outside back replacements have a total of 12 caps and 2 tries between them . The most capped outside back trio would consist of Tom Marshall and Adam Whitelock on the wings, with Israel Dagg in his rightful position at fullback.  Between them, they would have an impressive enough 83 caps and 22 tries for the Crusaders between them, 12 coming from Dagg, 7 from Whitelock and 3 from Marshall – still 16 tries shy of the 38 the Maitland/Guildford/Dagg combo came into the 2012 season with.

What then happens if Dagg gets sidelined by injury, or when he’s out due to All Blacks

Adam Whitelock
... reliable on the wing.  Phew.

commitments? The back line trio then misses out on the experience and presence provided by Dagg’s 3 seasons as an All Black, and there are two relatively experienced players – who will need to be teamed up with a very inexperienced (in Super XV terms) player and with another inexperienced player on the bench.  What happens if both Dagg and Whitelock are out?  Or Dagg and Marshall?  The Crusaders will then put on the field, a back line trio with maybe 45 caps between them, depending how far into the season they are.

Teams have done it before – and I’m sure teams have had to deal with much worse, but when you are a team that is so used to a powerful, experienced, fast, point-scoring-machine outside back trio, surely that lack of experience is going to have an effect on the team and put a LOT of extra pressure on those more senior, capped players (such as Israel Dagg), and on those who perhaps wouldn’t have had to step into the leadership role quite so early, under normal circumstances.  As a Crusaders supporter I am personally rather nervous about what this season holds for the team – obviously there is more to a team than three players/positions, however when a bulk of your tries (40% in 2012) are scored by your outside backs, the thought of a lack of experience in that vital back line role, is rather daunting.

As a fanatical Crusaders fan, all I can say is please, please, PLEASE don’t let the Crusaders of 2013, be the Blues of 2012.

Movember Mo-Men (week 1)

Movember is well underway, infact (thank god) it is almost over.  On my facebook I've been posting a daily 'Mo-Man of Movember', and decided I might as well post the daily Mo-Man on this here blog, as well.  Without further ado, I bring you the Mo-Men of week one!

Movember 1st - Ryan Crotty
the mo affectionately known as  the 'Crotty-Mo'

Movember 2nd - Zac Guildford
aka the 'El Zaco', due to the fact that before it grew in,
he looked like a Mexican.

Movember 3rd - Israel Dagg
the MOnstosity not affectionately known as the IzzyMo

Movember 4th - Richie McCaw
the McAwful

Movember 5th - Andy Ellis
quite simply, EPIC MO!

Movember 6th - Owen Franks
keeping with the Crusaders mo-theme

Movember 7th - Hosea Gear
the one I unintentionally called the Ho-Mo...
before realising what I had just said...