This season’s Super 15 could be one of the most exciting for some time, quite a few teams are capable of grabbing that title, and the team I will be focusing on in this preview will surely be one of the favourites…
This Season
The Crusaders managed to finish in the top four in Super 14 2010, but they eventually lost to eventual champions the Bulls in the finals format. This season could be a more successful story; this is a side that should be finishing at the top of their conference, as they have world class talents all over the field. Todd Blackadder will be very pleased with the side he has produced, as two players in particular in Sam Whitelock and Sonny Bill Williams have both made a name for themselves in the past year. The team should be fit and raring to go, as Blackadder will be hoping that his side will gel this season, after many players only joined the club last year.
The Crusaders open up away to the Blues, a match that they will want to get a good start in, they need to start the season well and try and move away from the other teams around them, they are undoubtedly one of the favourites to win this competition as British booking shops will suggest. The squad is packed with talent and in the scrum, line out and on the attack the Crusaders will most likely dominate, whoever beats this team this season must have to play to the top of their game, unless you’re the Bulls of course.
Key Players
Well where should I start on this bit? The front three in the Franks brothers and Corey Flynn will offer some of the best scrummaging you will see in Super 15 this season, the Crusaders also have Wyatt Crockett to choose from at prop. Onto the second row now, and along with the reigning holders the Bulls, the Crusaders are an almighty force in that position. Chris Jack, Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock are three incredible players, even though Jack and Thorn are now hitting there later Rugby years they will still be an incredible force at the line out, while Sam Whitelock is one of the emerging talents in New Zealand.
Moving onto the flankers and we all know Richie McCaw and Kieran Read are two of the best Rugby players in the World today, with both players not shy of carrying the ball forward, McCaw’s role to anticipate the play will yet again be mastered in 2011, Read had an outstanding 2010 and the 25 year old can play at 6 and at 8, no doubt his tackling and speed will be important to the Crusaders season.
Carrying on still and of course the best fly-half in World Rugby in Dan Carter also plays for the Crusaders, his boot and his all round ability at 10 is just outstanding to watch, meanwhile all eyes will be on Sonny Bill Williams as he plays his first Super 15 season for the side from Canterbury. His physical presence, his pace and his skill will no doubt tear defences apart in the opening stages of this campaign. Lastly the pairing of Zac Guildford and Israel Dagg will also be on show; with their quickness the Crusaders won’t have to worry about scoring tries.
Overall Thoughts
I could write about the Crusaders all day and all night if I wanted to, the quality of the players they have is just phenomenal with Jack, Thorn, McCaw, Read, Carter and Bill Williams in your side you will be expected to win Super 15. The team just needs to gel if they do that, there is no means why the Crusaders can’t take the title away from the Bulls hands, could it be a two horse race this season?
The Blues will gel and give you a run for your money just watch us win game 1