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I’m a tried and true Crusaders supporter and over the years we’ve had a lot of amazing times. Years ago, I can remember being told you couldn’t win a Super Rugby final as the away team. One in ten chance, they said.
Aussies I worked with were positively crowing over our imminent defeat and when the boys blew the Brumbies off the park on their home ground the thrill was huge. I pinned that newspaper story up on the board for all those Aussies to see and it stayed there for years.
The year the boys went through an entire season undefeated I must have worn out the edge of my couch. Towards the end each game was exhausting to watch. To begin with no one would speak the possibility out loud so as not to jinx it After that final game I just shook my head in disbelief and just knew it wouldn’t ever be done again.
So many great memories, so many last minute never-say-die victories. It’s been better than good.
Now, what about last weekend.
What commitment, what courage.
In some ways it was the best of what this Canterbury province stands for. A reliance on each other, where you put to one side your own selfish glory and work as a team. You put it on the line for each other and although many speak of these things only those who do it really know it’s heart. It’s the same kind of brotherhood that’s born of war.
What outsiders will never get is the height of the mountain these young men have climbed this season. Everyone knows Christchurch is stuffed but those of us who call it home know what that really means each day.
The friends who died, the dad’s who are working out of town to pay the rent, the families sharing houses with each other 14 in two bedrooms, the kids who still don’t sleep every night, the companies squeezing their offices into one room. All boiling water and keeping toilet flushing to a minimum together – so we can help each other get through.
These Crusaders from an earthquake zone, who lost their home track and train away from friends and family. For them every game is an away game.
Without Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Andy Ellis and Ben Franks they took the field against an in-form Stormers team playing on their home ground and full of Springboks. Before half time we’d lost Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Kahn Fotuali’i and Adam Whitelock. That took the injury toll to ten front line players. When the final whistle blew they had made 170 tackles and triumphed.
In all the years I have followed an amazing team who has achieved extra-ordinary results I have never been more proud. Or more humbled.
Blackadder called it guts, and guts it was. Guts to forget about the odds, stop looking to someone else to get it done but roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Just how much guts only those living in the rubble of an earthquake zone understand. The emotional side of me doesn’t care what happens next, these young men are already my winners who stood up to triumph through incredible hardship. And not only on a rugby field.
My hat is off to these Crusaders.
Many sons of Canterbury have done noble deeds, but none stand more valiant than you.
Of course, the other side or me is willing the boys to finish the job and cap another astonishing campaign.
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.