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Scott Robertson reveals the 'uncharacteristic' error the Crusaders need to fix for Hurricanes clash
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson is calling on his squad to learn from the “uncharacteristic” error that cost them dearly in last week’s defeat to the Highlanders.
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Last Friday’s 33-12 upset loss to their South Island rivals left Robertson and his troops with plenty to work on in the lead-up to Sunday’s clash with the Hurricanes in Wellington on Sunday.
The 46-year-old admitted it has been “an honest week” as the playing group and coaching staff have been forced to reassess their approach heading into their upcoming fixture.
“To get better, you need to be honest and we just looked at ourselves and our preparation, some individual performances, and also our coaches’ preparation before it. We’re better for that,” he told reporters on Friday.
Robertson pinpointed his side’s lack of execution as an area of their game that needs much improvement if they are to emerge from Sky Stadium with a victory.
Immediately after last week’s match, Robertson lambasted his side’s high error rate and poor handling skills. He also credited the Highlanders for using last week’s off-field drama as a motivation tactic to defy the odds and overcome the Crusaders.
The former All Blacks loose forward reiterated those sentiments shortly after naming his side for Sunday’s match as he challenged his players to be more clinical, efficient and have a stronger desire to succeed.
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“Execution was big for us. We had enough opportunities and didn’t take them, which is really uncharacteristic for us,” Robertson said of where the Crusaders went wrong last week.
“The other thing is we were against a side that was pretty desperate. The human spirit is amazing when they have a bit of adversity and they can get together like that.
“Just shows how much they care about their jersey and [we] probably got out-cared that night.”
Asked if he expects a similar showing of passion and commitment to the cause from the Hurricanes, Robertson said the Wellingtonians are in a similar situation to the Highlanders given their last-placed rankings on the competition standings.
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“They’re desperate as well. They can get their season back on track with a win against us and get themselves back into it and that’s probably one of the good things from the weekend. The result keeps everyone alive,” he said.
“They’ve got some quality players and they’re well-coached, so full respect in our preparation for them.”
Just how the Crusaders have prepared for the Hurricanes remains to be seen, but Robertson was insistent that his team need to turn up to the match in the right state of mind if they are to turn their fortunes around.
“Something we’re really proud of, turning up with the right mindset every week, and if you’re slightly off, those are the results you’re going to get.”
The Crusaders have welcomed All Blacks wing Sevu Reece back into the starting lineup for this weekend, while loosehead prop Joe Moody will celebrate his 100th appearance for the franchise.
The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have named 19-year-old rookie Ruben Love in No 10 in what will be his first start in Super Rugby after just five minutes off the bench in his debut against the Highlanders two weeks ago.
Kick-off for Sunday’s clash between the Crusaders and Hurricanes is scheduled for 3:35pm NZT.
Comments on RugbyPass
SBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
7 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
7 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
11 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
11 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
7 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
11 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
11 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
11 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
11 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
11 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
11 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
11 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
11 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to comments