The Crusaders will try to evoke the spirit of their extraordinary Super Rugby campaign in 2011 when they return to the field against the Waratahs on Saturday.
Captain Sam Whitelock said his team are still coming to terms with last Friday’s terror attack on Christchurch in which a gunman claimed 50 lives at two mosques.
Their scheduled match against the Highlanders the following day was abandoned after distraught players were consulted and Whitelock said their preparation for the match in Sydney had a surreal feel to it.
He compared it to their reaction in the immediate aftermath of another tragedy, the devastating earthquake of February 2011 that killed 185 people in Christchurch.
After that team abandoned their next game, they embarked on a remarkable campaign in which they played every game outside Christchurch before losing the final to the Queensland Reds.
“A few of us older boys have been putting some thoughts and feelings across to try and help everyone out,” said veteran All Blacks lock Whitelock, who was in the 2011 team.
“It’s been a great week to really get the boys tight and to make sure they’re in a good space to go out and perform this weekend.”
It will be Whitelock’s first appearance of the year for the unbeaten competition leaders after an extended off-season break.
He was thankful to have captaincy duties to perform this week, taking his mind off last week’s horror.
“Once I’ve talked about it, I can look at the rugby stuff but everyone’s got different emotions,” he said.
“It’s about making sure you’re aware of that and if you recognise someone’s probably feeling a bit down, get alongside them, help them out.”
Coach Scott Robertson has named a team close to full strength for the Sydney Cricket Ground clash, although five-eighth Richie Mo’unga and in-form lock Scott Barrett are rested after starting the first four games.
CRUSADERS: David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Brett Cameron, Bryn Hall, Whetu Douglas, Madd Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (capt), Quinten Strange, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Res: Andrew Makalio, Harry Allan, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Tom Sanders, Ereatara Enari, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan.
rebel
Roar Guru
Anyone denying them the streak would be a bit of a ... I'm sure it's the least of their worries at the moment.
Pinetree
Roar Rookie
Only matters for the official records, and it would be nice to know if the winning streak is still valid for the books. I am a stats man, so to that degree it matters to me.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Mate does it really matter. ? They didn’t play so they didn’t lose. Or draw. Or win.
Matt
Guest
Crusaders playing for their City. This will be a repeat of the 96-19 Thumping of May 2002. Assisting the Crusaders is having a hoax who hasn't improved his game at 9 since his debut,turnstyles at 10 12 and 15, George Clooney at 13. Average small rookies on the wings and weaklings at 6 7 and 8 . Oh dear. Not to mention the Waratahs hopeless scrum lineout and maul.This will get very ugly and i am going to enjoy every minute of it.
Pinetree
Roar Rookie
The match has been marked as a draw in the SR table though, so are you able to confirm that it is true that the last game won't be marked as a draw in the books, making the consecutive run devoid? Or are you just speculating?
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
If they didn’t play, then they didn’t win lose or draw. So no effect on their record.
Pinetree
Roar Rookie
Would the draw for the cancelled match have a impact on the consecutive wins for the Crusaders though Tman? Not too much talk on Wales being so close to the world record for tier 1 nations for consecutive wins, certainly not as much as England had going when they were on their run to equal the ABs. Both England and Wales have managed to avoid playing the ABs on their winning streaks though!!
Pinetree
Roar Rookie
I am not sure if any further consecutive wins will keep in the record books or not, as last week was technically a draw as the match was cancelled.
Roddy
Roar Rookie
Hope you are right mate, hope you are right.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Be interesting to see who loses their streak first- Crusaders or Wales. Likely to be Saders with the more frequent number of games on now but in terms of number of matches from here in, a close call.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
I wonder if Chook will be watching with an eye patch on, as the Saders look like making the twenties, as in consecutive wins. Apart from that I predict a close encounter.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Perhaps. I can also see them far more focused and deadly, they’re out playing for their city against the main Aussie team.
Roddy
Roar Rookie
I actually think it will be a bit tight with a lot of errors on the Crusaders side- they were playing with such joyful purpose two weeks ago, now its going to be hard to really switch on- would love to be prove wrong but my gut says a messy game.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I do not envy the Waratahs right now.