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Crusaders' crisis: Fans turn on Rob Penney amid abject run
By Ian Cameron
Crusaders’ head coach Rob Penney is under unprecedented scrutiny after the team’s latest defeat, marking their fifth consecutive loss in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.
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This dismal start is a shocking departure from the Crusaders’ historical dominance in the competition, leaving fans and critics alike stunned. The latest setback came at the hands of arch-rivals the Blues, who handed them a 26-6 drubbing at Auckland’s Eden Park.
This series of losses has catapulted the Crusaders into unfamiliar territory, as they’ve never before opened a Super Rugby campaign with such a disappointing record.
The pressure on Penney is intensifying, with a growing chorus of voices on social media speculating about his future with the team.
Having led teams like the Waratahs and Munster to mediocre effect in the past, Penney’s pedigree is in question and the current crisis has put his leadership under the microscope.
One irate Crusaders fan wrote: “Plenty injured I know but Rob Penney was never the guy to take the reins of this team. F***ng useless & about to go 0-10 in Super Rugby to prove it!”, while another observed: “With respect to Penney, You were a “GREAT PLAYER.” But your coaching strategy is not as good as your playing days. The Crusaders should ask Sir Gordon T’s the great 7’s coach to take over the job.”
Another displeased punter posted: “The Crusaders just look so clueless and directionless. So poorly coached, really poorly coached. The Crusader’s management need to tear up Penney’s contract.”
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One Munster fan wrote: “As a Munster fan, I’ve a soft spot for Rob Penney. He tried to introduce a different style to Munster. But this is not working…”
“End of a Dynasty for the Crusaders…,” wrote yet another. “They are gonna be lucky to make the playoffs this season.”
Another person wrote: “Rob Penney looks like he’s a little worried for his job,” while another recommended a replacement: ‘Rob Penney is a liability, send him to retirement like he deserves. No wonder the Tah’s dumped him.’
Given you only have to make the last eight to qualify for the playoffs in Super Rugby Pacific, others were a little more optimistic. “We’ve got good players who have the ability to win games. We’ve got a few injuries and lost a few greats but still fielded 8 ABs. Signs therefore point to a coaching issue. Not convinced on Rob Penney but hoping to be proved wrong.”
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