The Crusaders 2008 squad is possibly the least affected by the loss of star players. The full list for 2008 is: Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Campbell Johnstone, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Ti’i Paulo, Ross Filipo, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Nasi Manu, Richie McCaw (C), Michael Paterson, Kieran Read, Reuben Thorne, Mose Tuiali’i, George Whitelock, Andrew Ellis, Kahn Fotuali’i, Stephen Brett, Daniel Carter, Hamish Gard, Tim Bateman, Casey Laulala, Caleb Ralph, Sean Maitland, Kade Poki, Scott Hamilton and Leon MacDonald. The coaching team for this season sees Robbie Deans as head coach for the last time before he joins the Wallabies.
We see the Crusaders as a strong bet for the title this time out and certainly into the play-offs.