At the age of 35, and having played 140 games for the Crusaders, Matt Todd has now been appointed as assistant coach to Rob Penney for New Zealand’s Southern ‘juggernaut’ club.
Todd was well known and respected for his pilfering skills as a number 7, while being strong defensively and leaving it all out on the pitch.
Cane for the All Blacks has the (pilfering) role, however, he is not at the same level as Todd was when he played, this is no slight on Cane because this is a specialist skill and timing is key.
If you arrive at a ruck too early then you could be isolated and if you arrive too late then the opposition has the numbers to win the pill.
There have been questions asked about whether the Crusaders can keep up with their dominance in Super Rugby with the departure of Scott Robertson taking over the All Blacks. But many had the same questions when Robbie Deans left before landing the Wallabies role.
One thing is for sure and that is Canterbury has a rich history of producing the best coaches in Super Rugby.
Wayne Smith, Deans and of course Razor Robertson as examples as each of them had transformed their sides into powerhouse franchises.
To have Todd onboard is an exciting prospect not just to support the head coach but also for the players, as his style of play and leadership was similar to Robertson in his prime.
Todd will bring his experience as an ex-player while installing the values and identity of the Crusaders, opposition teams and supporters are hoping that with Robertson being promoted the Crusaders are now vulnerable.
The Crusaders Rugby Union always used due diligence when appointing a new head coach and his assistants, they would have done the groundwork to find the best candidates.
Todd has now taken his next step in a great rugby career; he was a bolter at the start of his playing days and now this has carried onto his coaching career.
Are the Crusaders vulnerable now?
Maybe for the first season – or maybe not as they won the title last season with a massive injury list.
So, with players back for the 2024 season, they will be eagerly awaiting getting out onto the field again with the aim of continuing the dominance.
With new players and coaches coming into the team this is the start of a new reign, this could also be the start for Todd to follow in the mould of Robertson.
From a player to a respected and successful coach, many questions will be answered in 2024.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
As an Aussie Todd was always one of my favourite kiwi players. I felt he was hard done by when McCaw retired and even a bit before then. They anointed Cane who was always inferior to Todd. The experience of a career in the shadows and perpetually blocked by McCaw is probably perfect for making a great coach.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Kapai Tim, & an interesting read Bro. Bit late in my response, so all the best to you & your whanau for the festive season & into the New Year. Yes Matt Todd, IMO will be another that will thrive under the Saders environment, as knowing, even with the loss of so many top players & Razor, most know what can be ' introduced' from that part of Te Waipounamu. The emerging talent within that Sader franchise area, is something else. Being a, across the Waitaki, fan of the Landers, even as far back as I can remember, we always looked forward to challenging our Bro from the north, knowing they were mostly the challenge to see where we were at. But that was at provincial level, back then. So with Matt there now, I really can't see him doing much wrong.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Sounds great with the lifestyle that you will have… :thumbup:
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
Cheers, will be living there, a bit of land out in the country, the new stadium is well under way , will be quite impressive
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Thank you, will you be living in ChCh or is it an investment property? If you are moving there I know that you will enjoy everything it offers, hopefully the new stadium happens soon.
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
Thankyou very much and all the best to you and yours, :thumbup:
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
I’ll have to change my name!, and Thankyou, it’s a very nice place around here
Tim J
Roar Rookie
G’day Ray. Yes he is only 35 so realistically he could be involved in coaching for 30 years or so, congrats on buying your property in Christchurch. I would have had him taking over McCaw also but the cards did not work out for him, it is exciting to have him as the assistant coach as he will have the players onboard. Have a great Christmas with your family and and stay safe my friend, I look forward to catching up with you in the new year… :thumbup:
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Will it be RayinChristchurch next year :silly: Welcome to the Mainland though :thumbup:
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Yes mate, I certainly can agree with that. Yes mate a Merry Christmas to you and yours :thumbup:
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
Todd’s only 35?…man he’s been around a while then, should have been 7 after McCaw, he’ll go very well at coaching, a great appointment. I’m currently in ChCh, just bought a property here, hoping the Rugby system will rub off on my boys!
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Thank you for your response mz. Certainly the Crusaders have lost some key players, Leicester is a massive loss especially. I am pretty confident that the Crusaders union wanted Todd as assistant to develop him into being the future head coach. Penney will be under pressure from carrying on from the great Razor, he just needs to focus on his own strengths that he can bring to the team. 2024 will an interesting and exciting one both on the domestic and international stage, for Australia and New Zealand new coaches and players will make for a even more intriguing one.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I agree Bluffboy, I was hoping that he would be number 7 ahead of Cane. Cane has done well though especially considering his injury plagued career. I can see Todd following Razor in becoming the future head coach and being successful, he has the right personality and attitude. Have a great Christmas with your family, and stay safe… :thumbup:
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Thanks for the article, Tim. The Crusaders will not replace Richie Mo'unga like for like, that is a certainty, in my view. But they will adapt, and have strength in depth. But that will be tested sorely this year. I just looked at the list of players gone in addition to RM : Sam Whitelock, Ollie Jager, Jack Goodhue, Lester Fainga'Anuku, Mitchell Dunshea. Big names. And with Rob Penney as head coach, any early season slip up will put him under pressure. But I'm sure Matt Todd will come through in the long run.....no, can't say "sure", rather say "hope". Very interesting season ahead.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
There are certain players that you just enjoy watching. Matt Todd was one of the those for me. Many including myself believed he should have had the 7 jersey before Cane (also a fine player I might add). I wish him all the best for his new career with the factory. It has always been the Highlanders for me, but come finals (in most years) my elegance will switch to the other Mainland team, the Saders. The systems in place there will take someone years to undo. They will defiantly be there about for some time to come.