As I watched the Crusaders sink to inevitable defeat down by ten points late against the Fijian Drua, I wondered what’s the future?
As a Crusaders fan, I have enjoyed six years of luxury. And while I am a Crusaders fan, I don’t think it is a biased statement to say that Scott Robertson was for those six years, the best club coach in the world. But now a Razorless, Mo’ungaless, Taylorless, Whitelockless ‘Saders – not to mention all the other departures – have left the team in a different state.
While much is often made about the dominance of the Crusaders, winning 14 Super Rugby championships (I have included the two Super Rugby Aotearoa championships), it hasn’t always been consistent. Instead, it has been in two dynasties, led by world-class coaches: Wayne Smith, Robbie Deans and Scott Robertson.
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Todd Blackadder, while getting close twice, never won during his tenure (2008-2016).
Now the question must be asked about the future of the ‘new’ Crusaders, which way will they go? The optimist in me says these losses are to the same teams as last year, and injuries have flooded the team so the No.10 spot has been thrust upon someone inexperienced in Taha Kemara, whose only résumé is five caps for Waikato.
Vilive Miramira of the Fijian Drua runs with the ball. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)
But this feels different. Richie Mo’unga’s first season saw him become the starter due to a mass exodus at the fly-half position, with Dan Carter and Colin Slade both leaving. While far from perfect in the first year, the potential was evident. Kemara is just a bit too young to lead, to grow as a player.
Just like their jerseys, the Crusaders are different, they have to be after the players they lost. But can they be different and still be a serious threat?
If they can make it to the quarter-finals, with key pieces returning into the team and becoming more familiar with the new system, they could be threatening to their opponents, but can they even make it into the quarter-finals?
Looking down the barrel, they have three hard matches where they can’t be favoured to win in any. While a tour of Australia might provide the opportunity to build wins, the final stretch could see the need for a bit of luck to come their way.
Whether or not they can have success later in the season, one thing is clear, the Crusaders have entered a new chapter in their history and it doesn’t look for the better.
John AH
Roar Rookie
I wonder if Kemara is over ruled by Havilli He must have some talent for Razor to Bring him down last year Fihaki is too indecisive Be better with Reece there and McLead on the wing, if they aren't playing him in the midfield. Christie really only tackles, and never dominant. Need size in that job
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Reece was sensational. Him and Talea as wings. Clarke was average last night. Not sure where Narawa is atm. Nani-seturo having a very good season too. Pleany of wingers lol. DeGroot and Lomax top props for a few years to come I think. Holland starting to look dominant at times but he wont play for AB yet.( not available )
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Yep correct..... Ive never rated havili and just dont get how he has played any tests let alone 25+. I cant see him getting more. Plenty of Saders fire power to come bak and it looks like they play far better at home.
Utiku Old Boy
Roar Rookie
Agree with most of this John - except for Kemara who, although he has not been helped at all by Havili, just is not showing skills or decision making required for SR. Agreed Christie is not bringing much this year and Lio-Willie would be better. I thought Fihaki had a better defensive game against the Canes (which is where he normally struggles) and his speed and boot offers promise with development.
Utiku Old Boy
Roar Rookie
It was not Kemara who played against the Chiefs but Reihana - who is a lot better imo. Burke and Reihana going down with injuries has been poison for the back line and Havili has also been sloppy. Kemara is not ready for this level and has not shown the skills that apparently put him in the squad. As others mention, I'd rather see Havili back at 15 to take some pressure off Fihaki (who was good versus Canes). The Counties fly half also went better against the Canes but it is all just a patch-up job until Burke and Reihana return. Havili is not a world class mid-fielder and played some of his best rugby from the back. This is a combination of questionable selections, a horror run of injuries and squad changes through retirement or departures. Pack played better against the Canes and should improve further with Barret, Blackadder and Taylor back in the mix. Rebuilding indeed.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Then again acjj, I wouldn't write off both the Saders & Landers in having a serious input into a AB squad, under Razor, being he selects players on form. Did you happen to see how good Sevu Reece was last night in a losing team? Also de Groot will get better, as the season progresses.
John AH
Roar Rookie
Kemara wasn't that bad Havilli is the issue Let getvsome decent selections, the last 1st 5 V Canes looked and played like a slow flanker. Alec Harford a born and Breed Cantabrian should have been called in as Soon as Burke injured. Where is Li Lo Willie one of there best players last year. Tom Christine's time must be done, way too small in a team whose pack isn't dominating. Grace Blackadder and Li Lo moving forward Gardner in reserves There was a reason Fihaki wasn't back up to Jordan last year, watched him in NPC and SR this year nothing re his play had changed. Stop 80% of the Bix kicking. Get rid of the 48 year old 1/2 back
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Aumua to 12 and Crotty to 13. Or vice versa. Then if Havili has to play make it 15.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Think Havilli is over calling Kemara creating a split second thought for the kid . Better balance would be DH at Fullback and Aumua or mcloed at 12 13
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Black adder isn't far away Mc nicholl just signed as cover Taylor is taking 5 weeks I think so maybe back roynd 6 Burke isn't far away . Is Ennor gone for the season? Blackadder staying fit is a major as it changes the whole forward pack with him going to 6 our second row is hugely stronger. Think Havilli needs to play 10 as he is over riding the young Kemara
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Ennor is out for the season or a good part of it . I believe they signed Jonny Mcnicholl to cover .
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Agree. Kemara was good v the Chiefs but with Havili he just doesnt gell with him. They desperately need a 10 or two back tho of course.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
I’d give Aumua a shot at 12 with McLeod at 13. Power and finesse combo, with youth on their side. A solid ‘bail out’ option for Kemara would no doubt make him more comfortable, and might draw in some of the defense. Havili utility cover.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Im more concerned around what Havili brings tbh. McLeod at 12 would be better I think unless I missed him signing OS or Ennor. Not sure of injury etc.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Good common sense post. Sometimes it's better to reset and start a new cycle.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
They will definitely make the 8, but that’s not difficult. Penney has brought the Tah culture to the Crusaders, great to see.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Let’s not go all NSW and can the bloke right away.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
HaHA gone!!!! I doubt it.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
The young 10 looked good in round 1 but having Havili there in rounds 2 and 4 has been horrible. They need Burke back and change the 12.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Yes lets just wait until they get a 10 back. He was good in round 1 but since Havili was put at 12 the young 10 has gone to mush. I hope he doesnt suffer to much but looking at the draw they could be 0-7/8 if they dont change something.