Wyatt Crockett set for double century
Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett will make rugby history yet again this week, becoming the first player to record 200 Super Rugby caps.
Crockett has been named to play in the Crusaders’ home game against the Highlanders on Friday night, in a match that marks a historic double century of appearances since his Crusaders career began against the same side back in 2006.
Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said: “200 games is an unprecedented achievement, and for Crocky to have represented the same club throughout his Super Rugby career is testament to his dedication and loyalty to this Crusaders team.
“This milestone not only resonates with the current BNZ Crusaders squad and management, but former coaches and team mates, as well as rugby fans worldwide. There is no one more deserving of this accolade and we congratulate Crocky on what is a proud moment for himself and his family,” Riach aid.
Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson said: “To reach 200 games at this level takes an immense amount of talent, commitment, and personal sacrifice over a long period of time, and Crocky certainly sets the benchmark for passion and professionalism among our group.
“Crocky continues to make a massive contribution to the Crusaders jersey in what is his 13th season with the club. He’s well-respected by the squad and management alike, and is the ultimate team man. We are proud to be able to celebrate this achievement with him,” Robertson said.
The Christchurch-born prop became the most capped Super Rugby player of all time in April 2017 when he broke Keven Mealamu’s record of 175 games. To date, he has 55 Super Rugby points to his name, and three Super Rugby Championships – in the 2006, 2008 and 2017 seasons. In 2011 Crockett was recognised as New Zealand Super Rugby Player of the Year.
Crockett said: “This milestone simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the many coaches, management, team mates and supporters I’ve had along the way. I’m humbled by the support I’ve received this season and throughout my rugby career, which has made each game I’ve played for this club just as memorable and special as the last.
“I am honoured to have represented a team that I am immensely proud of for the past 13 years, and to have the opportunity to reach 200 games at home, in front of my family and friends, is something I know I’ll look back on fondly at the end of my Super Rugby career,” Crockett said.
Crockett’s first class career began in 2005 with Canterbury, and he went on to earn 73 caps for the provincial side. He made his All Blacks debut in 2009 and played the last of his 71 tests against Wales in November last year. In 2015, he was a member of the successful All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad.
The 35-year-old played his 200th Crusaders game against the Chiefs on Saturday 2 June, but this weekend’s match will be recognised officially by New Zealand Rugby as it marks 200 appearances in Super Rugby (Crockett was a member of the Crusaders side that played the British and Irish Lions in June last year). An official presentation will follow after the final whistle on Friday night.
New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said Crockett had cemented a place in New Zealand rugby history: “On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, we salute Crocky on his 200 Investec Super Rugby games. He’s done so much for the game here in New Zealand and this is a very special milestone achieved by a very special man.
“Crocky has played his entire Super career – 13 seasons in all – for the one team, his beloved Crusaders, and it’s fantastic that he’ll play this 200th match in front of his wife Jenna, sons Sonny and Emmett, the rest of his family and friends, and the Crusaders fans. When he hangs up his Crusaders jersey at the end of the Investec Super Rugby season, he can do so knowing that he will leave as one of the greats of our game,” Tew said.
SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos said: “SANZAAR would like to congratulate Wyatt on reaching this amazing milestone of 200 Super Rugby matches. He is the first player to ever reach this milestone, and to play so many matches at this level is testament to his professionalism and strength of character.
“He has been an outstanding servant and ambassador to the game of rugby and, of course, to the Crusaders since his Super Rugby debut in 2006. We wish him all the very best on Friday against the Highlanders,” Marinos said
Yesterday it was announced that the stadium in Christchurch would be renamed ‘Wyatt Crockett Stadium’ for this game, in recognition of Crockett’s 200 match milestone. 5000 ‘Crockzilla’ headbands will be given away at the gate, with those fans who wear the headbands given the chance to win one of seven jerseys signed by the man himself, from one of the 13 seasons he has been in the team.
Crockett will bring up 200 Super Rugby games in what will be his final season with the Crusaders. He announced his retirement from international and Super Rugby in February this year, but will join the Tasman Mako for the next two Mitre 10 Cup seasons.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Quite 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.
10 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.
1 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
10 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.
10 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
10 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.
10 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
10 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.
10 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
10 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.
10 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to comments