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Why the unmatchable Crusaders will soon be in seventh heaven

Six-time Super rugby champions and twice runners-up, only injuries can stop a team littered with All Blacks and possibly the most tactically astute coach in world rugby – Robbie Deans.

by James Mortimer on 08 April 2008

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"'Their run home to the finals will test their character, as they have still to play the other three teams currently in the top four – but this vintage side will have it no other way' "

The Super rugby tournaments have a reputation of being a relatively-even championship. All three SANZAR countries are immensely powerful, and this is indicative of the teams playing rosters and the difficulty in away games, especially in travel to and from South Africa.

While there have only been four champions in the history of the competition, eight different teams have contested the grand finals, and the three Southern Hemisphere giants have seen their international fortunes fluctuate with the form of their Super teams.

However, the might of the Canterbury Crusaders has been incredible over the last ten years after the first two years of the competition were dominated by New Zealand’s traditional rugby stronghold in Auckland.

Canterbury, currently with 109 wins, are the only team in Super Rugby to win a century of games. The next best are the Auckland Blues with 96 victories and the Brumbies with 93. To put Canterbury’s statistic in perspective, NSW Waratahs are fourth with 75 wins!

Every other record is held by the Crusaders. They are the only team to win every game in a season. They have the highest winning percentage, and the highest home and away statistics – winning over 80% of their games at home and more than 50% on their travels to South Africa. They hold the record for most consecutive victories, and most wins at home - an astonishing 26 straight triumphs. They also hold the record for most points and most tries scored in a season. Nine times they have finished in the top four, and they have won eight out of nine semi-finals.

In 2008 they remain the only team to win every game. They have the best offensive record in the competition, have scored the most tries, have the best defensive record and have conceded the least amount of tries. They currently boast a points difference of 175 - an incredible 119 points better than any other team.

Their squad contains 14 past or present All Blacks, including two of the finest players to walk the planet – and is coached by new Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, the most successful domestic coach in world rugby. Captain Richie McCaw is a two-time New Zealand Player of the Year, and in 2006 won the IRB International Player of the Year. Their first five (outside-half) Daniel Carter is also a two time NZ Player of the Year, and won the 2005 IRB Player of the Year. Both are regarded by most as two of the greatest players in their positions in world rugby.

It is unlikely that the Crusaders will be stopped. Carter, their celebrated playmaker, is injured – but the young sparkling Stephen Brett will likely slot into the maestro’s shoes. While the injury to Carter is a concern, Brett will probably earn his first All Black jersey this season.

The Crusaders' game plan and style is almost without weakness, incorporating all of the great strengths of New Zealand teams – with a mighty pack, an excellent set piece, devastating ruck play and an excellent attacking mindset. Their strongest asset is sometimes lacking in New Zealand teams; they have the most disciplined defence in the competition, and a willingness to play the percentages.

Their run home to the finals will test their character, as they have still to play the other three teams currently in the top four – but this vintage side will have it no other way. Most portentous for their competitors is that Canterbury have a tradition of being slow starters and producing momentum in the closing weeks of the competition.

Woe to those whom would challenge their might.

Canterbury’s run home: Lions, Chiefs, Blues, Sharks, Reds, Highlanders. Prediction: A seventh Super rugby title – with victory over the Chiefs in Canterbury.


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