The two teams that can challenge the Crusaders for the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa title
After four years of successive titles, it’s unsurprising to again see the Crusaders rank as firm favourites to claim the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa title on the eve of the competition’s kick-off.
Under the guidance of head coach Scott Robertson, the Christchurch franchise are in the midst of a golden era as they eye a fifth consecutive crown to add to their exhaustive honours list.
The prospect of a sixth title on the bounce is also on the radar should they do the double in both Super Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, but the reigning Kiwi champions won’t be getting ahead of themselves.
With the season not yet underway, the Crusaders still have to embark on eight straight New Zealand derbies before they can lock away any silverware, and each of those matches will be tough encounters, as is always the case with Kiwi clashes.
So, while the Crusaders’ championship record in recent years is unblemished, the Super Rugby Aotearoa title is by no means a foregone conclusion at this early stage of the year.
Robertson’s squad will understand the competition is certainly not a one-horse race, with each of the other four franchises posing their own respective threats to the Crusaders’ dynasty.
There are two teams in particular that stand front and centre in the collective bid to knock the Crusaders off their perch, according to recently-retired Blues hooker James Parsons and Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall.
Speaking on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Parsons, who quit from all forms of rugby last month, said his former side, who he played 115 times for between 2012 and 2020, are legitimate contenders to claim their first Super Rugby title since 2003.
After over a decade-and-a-half of underperformance, the three-time champions enjoyed a resurgent campaign last year, sitting in fourth spot at the time of Super Rugby’s suspension in March before finishing runners-up in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Their rejuvenation coincided with the high-profile acquisition of All Blacks star Beauden Barrett, but the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year is unavailable this year due to his sabbatical in Japan.
However, Parsons suggested the Blues have enough depth across the board to cope without Barrett – and recently-retired All Blacks great Dan Carter – this year, putting them in good stead to go one place better than their 2020 campaign.
“I genuinely do think the Blues because it’s another year of experience under some guidance of someone like Beaudy and Dan in that environment, and now a lot of ownership and reins and control is given to these guys to step up and fill that void,” Parsons told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod of who he sees as the biggest threat to the Crusaders.
As the new Super Rugby Aotearoa season looms large on the horizon, a former All Black has named a 'Hype XV' made up of players to take note of over the coming weeks. #SuperRugbyAotearoa https://t.co/nwGOic1rFx
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The two-test hooker added he was impressed by what he had seen from the Auckland franchise in their pre-season outings, noting that their performances reflected the goals they have set for themselves for the season ahead.
“I felt, from what I saw on the weekend, and I haven’t been in with the squad at all, you could see that there’s a genuine expectation on themselves to step up and continue that ball rolling,” he said.
“From what you saw from the big guys that haven’t had a lot of pre-season, like Rieko [Ioane], I just thought he was exceptional.
“His line speed, defensively, his willingness to set up his teammates, his work rate off the ball – when you’ve got a leader like that delivering in a pre-season game with no points on the board, others are going to follow.
“I think that’s the most exciting thing for me, and you’ve got a guy like Otere [Black] who’s got that balance of attack, you’ve got competition at No. 9 between Finlay Christie, Sam Nock and Jonathan Ruru, who was exceptional on the weekend, in key positions.
“You’ve got a forward pack that is coached by Tom Coventry that are continuing to just want to roll their sleeves up. You’ve got a front three that are fighting for positions. I thought both Luteru Tolai and Kurt Eklund were exceptional on the weekend.
“You’ve got Nepo [Laulala] and Ofa [Tuungafasi] fighting out for tighthead. You’ve got two All Blacks [Karl Tu’inukuafe and Alex Hodgman] fighting it out for loosehead.
“You’ve got a skipper in Patty [Patrick Tuipulotu], you’ve got Tom Robinson, you’ve got Dalton Papalii, you’ve got Blake Gibson, you’ve got Hoskins [Sotutu], you’ve got Akira [Ioane]. You’ve got selection dilemmas. That’s depth and selection dilemmas.”
Parsons said that breadth of depth will serve the Blues well throughout the season when injuries inevitably strike, and it will also provide competition for places in the match day squad for those who are fit and ready to play.
“What the Crusaders have done so well in the past is when they’ve had an injury, there’s been another guy to step up, or when they’ve had their fit, full squad, competition is created and it’s created an edge at training, and that edge is continued on to the game.
With their 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign set for kick-off this Friday, the Highlanders are faced with a significant selection dilemma most squads would love to have.https://t.co/9gh6Ri8Vg1
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“They’ve almost had a harder training on Thursday than the game they’ve faced on the weekend, and that’s the edge that I feel that is creating in that Blues environment at the moment.
“I don’t want to put pressure on them, because I know that they’re already creating that pressure themselves, but I genuinely think they’re building a hard work ethic, and tough, tough underbelly and a willingness to go above and beyond for their teammate.”
Hall, meanwhile, agreed with Parsons’ assertion that the Blues loom as key challengers to deny his side yet another title, but the 29-year-old was similarly impressed with the recruitment efforts made by the Highlanders over the off-season.
The Dunedin franchise endured a below-par campaign last year, picking up just one win from five matches prior to Super Rugby’s cancellation and finishing in fourth place in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
That forced the side to part ways with head coach Aaron Mauger, who has since been replaced by Tony Brown, an assistant to Mauger in 2020 and back for his second stint in the top job at the club.
Since his appointment, the former Highlanders first-five has recruited strongly, bringing in a raft of top names into the squad as they look to restore their status as one of the New Zealand’s top sides.
Hall said locking in Brown as head coach was a vital piece of business for the Highlanders, not only because of the the star power he has brought with him, but also because of the tactics he is expected to implement.
“The Highlanders have done really well in their recruiting with Tony Brown, and I think, with Tony Brown being involved again, kicking on the full is going to be great for them, bringing back their real Highlanders mindset,” Hall told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
“Even though he was in the environment last year, I think him being able to be the head coach will be massive for them.
“The players that they’ve signed, with the likes of, in their backline, Fetuli Paea – who was really good for us here – he’s going to have more growth and he’s going to have more opportunities. I see him very similar to Malakai Fekitoa, actually.
The Chiefs have confirmed halfback Brad Weber will join All Blacks captain Sam Cane as co-captain of the Chiefs for 2021.https://t.co/knJs2hur9k
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 22, 2021
“Then Solomon Alaimalo, who is a great signing for their back three. They had a lot of young guys there last year, and probably lacked that experience and Solly has had a lot of time at the Chiefs and, not too long ago, he was knocking on the door of the All Blacks.
“He’ll get another chance to have a great opportunity in an environment where he’ll be playing a lot of footy.
“I think they’ve just signed some really good, key, experienced players like Josh Hohneck, who’s come back, and Bryn Evans, who will really add that experience in that group.
“Let’s talk about Liam Squire, who, we know in New Zealand rugby, is more of a talisman for them who sets the tone physically and just brings more depth into that loose forward trio, who are going to be fantastic with his addition.
“You’ve got Dillon Hunt who left, but then you’ve got Billy Harmon. Billy Harmon’s gone down there as well, who’s again seeking an opportunity and he’s gone down to a fresher role.
“He was with us the last three years and is a guy who can definitely play at Super Rugby level.”
Hall added that while he doesn’t expect the Highlanders to challenge for the Super Rugby Aotearoa title as strongly as the Blues this year, the foundations are in place for a successful future – especially with one key youngster in their ranks.
“One guy that I’ve also had a look around is [Folau] Fakatava and his involvement that he’s been having off the bench,” Hall said.
“He’ll keep Nuggy [Aaron Smith] honest, but you look at how he played during the Mitre 10 Cup and his game management and how much he grew in the last 12 months, so he’ll be massive for them coming off the bench.
“Personally, I know how hard it is to defend him when he’s starting, but coming off the bench when players are tired, he’s one guy that I’m definitely going to be looking forward to seeing for the Highlanders this year.”
This Highlanders and Crusaders will kick-off the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season when they play each other at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Friday.
Listen to the latest episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod below:
Comments on RugbyPass
$950k for a Prop that isn’t fit enough to play 10 mins of rugby? Surely there is someone better to replace Big Mike with
2 Go to commentsFour Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
2 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to comments