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And still they live! The defending champions, against all odds, are alive and fighting in the Super 14, and hosting an embattled Queensland side, they will have the top four looking nervously on.
With the greatest respect to Phil Mooney’s team, it is probably more a Queensland selection XV. Or shall we call it a Premier’s side?
With academy players and young lads picked from Brisbane’s club sides, it will be arguably the least experienced Reds team in Super history.
They are minus so many key planks, including captain and vice-captain, James Horwill and Berrick Barnes. Add to this, Digby Ioane, statistically Australia’s best player in the Super 14, Mark McLinden, Poutasi Luafutu, Will Genia, Peter Hynes, Hugh McMeniman and former All Black Daniel Braid.
If those names were present in the side, one would think that the Crusaders may be threatened.
But they will not be.
Local betting agencies have offered odds as high as $8 on the match. It is the highest single odds on any match played so far this season.
It is a shame, for the Reds have played an extensive and flamboyant brand of rugby that has to be admired. But equally, it could be called painful, with their lack of ball security and ruck commitment.
No other team has conceded more turnovers in the competition, and no other side has lost more possession at the ruck. Cardinal sins that may consign the Reds to another wooden spoon.
For all of their attempts to play entertainers, with Wallabies in their backline such as Quade Cooper, Barnes, Ioane, Hynes, and pack enforcers such as Horwill and McMeniman, there has been far too much capitulation.
Perhaps the game plan that Mooney implemented came one season too early?
Or if not, then consistency is the issue. You do not defeat teams like the Sharks, and beat the Blues at home, if there’s not something special lurking under the surface.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders have not dazzled as in previous years.
In four of their seven championship years, they have never lost more than two matches in an entire season, led the points scoring charts, and headed most statistics.
This year, they are among the least effective of all attacking sides, and field half the number of All Blacks seen by sides such as the Hurricanes, Chiefs, and even the Blues.
They, too, have suffered with injury tolls.
How strong will they be next year with Dan Carter back at the helm?
For now, they possess the same measured patience and the same ruthless precision that have become the hallmark of Crusaders rugby.
All Black captain Richie McCaw is back in the team, and if they needed anymore motivation to reach the top four, loyal Canterbury servant Leon Macdonald will now be playing in his last season.
Add Test players such as Brad Thorn, Andy Ellis, and outstanding flanker Kieran Read, and it could be a long night for the Queensland side.
Crusaders by 15.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.