Adversity-stricken Crusaders playing final for the people of Christchurch
Eight years after proving they could handle catastrophic adversity, the Crusaders have done it again by reaching the Super Rugby final.
Now they’re determined to go one better than their remarkable post-Quake campaign of 2011 when they contest Saturday’s decider against the Jaguares in Christchurch.
The nine-time champions say they remain inspired by the people of a city still coming to terms with the anguish of the March 15 terror attack.
Coach Scott Robertson and captain Sam Whitelock revealed the tragedy, in which 51 people were killed by a gunman at two mosques, had been both a unifying and motivating force.
“One thing we’ve done, which I’m really proud of, is that every time we’ve played we’ve showed how much we care about it and care about each other,” Robertson said.
“We’ve gone back through our true colours and what we stand for, and I think that shows on the field.”
Veteran lock Whitelock was part of the Crusaders team which nearly pulled off the unthinkable eight years ago following the devastating earthquake that claimed 185 lives and ruined much of Christchurch’s infrastructure.
They were forced to play every game on the road yet somehow reached the final, where they were beaten by the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.
Whitelock said this year’s team had matched that outcome to this point simply through “caring about it”.
They want to provide a distraction, or sense of enjoyment, for those finding it hard to cope with what unfolded.
That translated into effort on the field.
“It’s when our line’s broken, people turn and sprint back versus taking the easy option and turn and cruise,” Whitelock said.
“They’re the little things you can see as a player. Hopefully our city and our whole region can see that as well.”
The Crusaders inadvertently became a lightning rod for criticism in the wake of the attack because of the anti-Muslim sentiment associated with their name’s original meaning.
That issue dragged on through the season, mingling with a fresh controversy that emerged from the mid-season trip to South Africa.
All Blacks Richie Mo’unga and George Bridge became the subject of separate NZ Rugby investigations before eventually being cleared of late night offensive behaviour allegations brought against them by members of the public.
Those issues haven’t stopped the team continuing their remarkable record under Robertson, who is poised to become the first coach to win three successive Super Rugby crowns.
The Crusaders’ winning streak on home soil has stretched to 30 games while they boast a perfect record of 23 wins from every home play-off match in their decorated history.
For all their strides made this year, the men from Argentina may need something out of the box to snare a maiden title in their first Super final.
AAP
Watch – Crusaders pre-Super Rugby final press conference:
Comments on RugbyPass
A Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
2 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
2 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to comments