Hurricane blows Crusaders away

http://super14.com/news/viewarticle.asp?id=18581

The Hurricanes pulled off an upset by beating the Crusaders 24-30 in Christchurch ending run of defeats going back five years.

The Crusaders outscored the Hurricanes by four tries to three so they pick up two bonus points and the Hurricanes take four points from the match.

Referee Stuart Dickinson sent both team's captains to the bin after they had both been given verbal warnings. Richie McCaw was the first to go and he was followed much later in the game by Hurricanes captain Rodney So'oialo who finished the game in the bin.

Tries from Zac Guildford,Alby Mathewson and Ma'a Nonu took the Hurricanes out to a 12-30 lead with 20 minutes to go. A converted try by Jared Payne brought the Crusaders to within 11 points with 10 minutes to go.

The Crusaders then piled on the pressure but the Hurricanes defence held strong until Thomas Waldrom caught the Hurricanes napping and ran in the bonus point try for the Crusaders. Slade missed the conversion but the Crusaders were still six points adrift.

Going into the match the Crusaders had an 82 % success rate at home.

The Hurricanes had not beaten the Crusaders in Christchurch since 2001 - even in Wellington the Hurricanes had not been able to beat the Crusaders in the last five years as their last victory over the Canterbury based Super Rugby champions was in 2004.

Piri Weepu scored 15 points as a stand-in flyhalf kicking three penalties and three conversions — six goals from as many attempts - to give the Hurricanes their second win in three matches this season and leave the defending champions with a 1-2 record after three rounds.

Backs Zac Guilford, Albie Mathewson and Ma'a Nonu scored tries for the Hurricanes who set aside the flawed kicking game which has limited their effectiveness early this season and returned to their free-running style.

Weepu guided play skillfully from flyhalf, All Blacks Nonu and Conrad Smith combined superbly in midfield and Tamati Ellison, a late addition at fullback, added more attacking thrust, creating space for wingers Guilford and Hosea Gear.

The Crusaders lacked the Hurricanes' goal-kicking precision as Colin Slade and Stephen Brett combined for only two goals from six attempts.

"This is a great win for us," So'oialo said.

"It's always hard to beat the Crusaders wherever you play them, doubly hard down here.

"We had the tactics to break them if we made the passes stick. We showed tonight what we can do if we do the little things well."

The Hurricanes were in front for most of the match, leading 3-0 and 6-0 after Weepu's first two successful kicks at goal.

The Crusaders grabbed a 7-6 lead with a try to center Casey Laulala, converted by Slade, but their lead lasted only three minutes before the Hurricanes scored their first try through Guilford.

A further penalty to Weepu, with McCaw in the sinbin, gave the Hurricanes a 16-7 lead at halftime.

Crusaders lock Brad Thorn scored the first try of the second half, trimming the lead to four points but an intercept try to halfback Albie Mathewson put the Hurricanes ahead 23-12 and proved crucial.

Nonu scored in the 60th minute to give the Hurricanes their peak lead at 30-12.
The Crusaders fought back with late tries to Jarrod Payne and Thomas Waldrom but were then held out by staunch Hurricanes defense.

"We let it get away from us in the first half," McCaw said.

"They got momentum and it took us a while to get into the game. Maybe it was too late."

Final Score Crusaders 24 Hurricanes 30

Scorers
Crusaders
Tries - Casey Laulala, Brad Thorn, Jared Payne,Thomas Waldrom
Penalties -
Conversions - Colin Slade 2
Drop Goals -
Cards - Yellow - Richie McCaw (29.00)

Hurricanes
Tries - Zac Guildford, Alby Mathewson, Ma'a Nonu
Penalties -Piri Weepu 3
Conversions -Piri Weepu 3
Drop Goals -
Cards - Yellow Rodney So'oialo (77)

Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: Stuart Dickinson

Teams
Crusaders: 1 Wyatt Crockett, 2 Jason Macdonald, 3 Ben Franks, 4 Brad Thorn, 5 Ross Filipo, 6 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 8 Thomas Waldrom, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 10 Colin Slade, 11 Kade Poki, 12 Tim Bateman, 13 Casey Laulala, 14 Jared Payne, 15 Stephen Brett

Reserves: 16 Daniel Perrin, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Isaac Ross, 19 George Whitelock , 20 Tyson Keats , 21 Ryan Crotty , 22 Adam Whitelock

Hurricanes
1. John Schwalger, 2. Ged Robinson, 3. Tim Fairbrother, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Jason Eaton, 6. Karl Lowe, 7. Scott Waldrom, 8. Rodney So'oialo, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Piri Weepu, 11. Hosea Gear, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 13. Conrad Smith, 14. Zac Guildford, 15. Tamati Ellison,

Reserves: 16. Jacob Ellison, 17. Neemia Tialata, 18. Bryn Evans, 19. Faifili Levave, 20. Daniel Kirkpatrick, 21. Jason Kawau , 22. David Smith.

Super 14 2009 - Round 3

Friday 27 February
Crusaders v Hurricanes - 17.35
Waratahs v Highlanders - 19.35

Saturday 28 February
Chiefs v Sharks - 17.35
Brumbies v Western Force - 19.40

Sunday 1 March
Lions v Bulls - 02.00
Stormers v Blues - 04.10
Reds v Cheetahs - 17.oo

All times AEST
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/

To those of you taking part in tipping competitions, make sure your picks are in!!

McCaw and Thorn confirmed for Crusaders

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4859819a22439.html

By RICHARD KNOWLER - The Press Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Richie McCaw's concussion issues have been declared over after he passed an "impact" test and was named to lead the Crusaders against the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Friday night.

The head injury ruled the All Blacks captain and openside flanker out of last weekend's loss to the Brumbies and although he was bracketed with George Whitelock at No 7 yesterday morning, he was later declared fit to play at AMI Stadium.

McCaw took full part in training but coach Todd Blackadder waited until the results of the test, which McCaw sat in the morning, before confirming he would start. His return means Whitelock, who impressed with his work rate in Canberra, goes back to the bench.

Blackadder received another dose of good news when All Black Brad Thorn was also confirmed as fit to play. Despite being troubled by his foot injury, the second rower ignored the pain and ran freely at training before declaring himself a starter.

"Brad's come through [training] pretty well. It's one of those injuries that is more sore than anything else," Blackadder said.

"At the moment he looks pretty good and he will be selected to start. It's probably one of those injuries that won't go away but you just have to deal with it. I've had a similar injury myself and had a whole Super 12 of it . . . You can just battle through it."

On the downside, halfback Andy Ellis has been ruled out because of his ankle injury meaning Kahn Fotuali'i will start and Tyson Keats will be added to the reserves bench.

Stephen Brett gets another opportunity at fullback because Leon MacDonald is not fit. Blackadder hoped MacDonald would be available for next weekend's match against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

With Corey Flynn ruled out because of a broken arm, Jason Macdonald will start at hooker and Daniel Perrin moves onto the bench.

CRUSADERS: Stephen Brett, Jared Payne, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Kade Poki, Colin Slade, Kahn Fotuali'i, Thomas Waldrom, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Ross Filipo, Brad Thorn, Ben Franks, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Daniel Perrin, Bronson Murray, Isaac Ross, George Whitelock, Tyson Keats, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock.

Bond still strong between Robbie and Crusaders

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4856040a25925.html

By DAVID LONG, Sunday News
Sunday, 22 February 2009

The ties may be cut, but the bond remains as strong as ever between Robbie Deans and the Crusaders. The most successful coach in Super 14 history might have moved to the other side of the Tasman and relinquished the reins at the Crusaders to Todd Blackadder but a soft spot remains in his heart for the team.

"While I've got responsibilities here (in Australia), I wish them well," Deans told Sunday News.
"I left on good terms and I played a big role in ensuring the place would continue after I left, as I hope it does. I hope that anyone who is able to usurp them and goes beyond them has to genuinely earn that right, because the Crusaders have created something special. There are still a special group of people there who will do them (the team) proud."

Deans was in Canberra on Saturday night watching the Crusaders play the Brumbies a week after watching them on TV beat the Chiefs.
Watching the Super 14 this season has been an unusual experience for him.

"I watched more rugby last weekend than I've ever watched in a weekend and it's the first time I haven't been responsible for a team at this time of the year," he said."It was good to be able to watch with my family and enjoy it and it was nice to be able to watch rugby without anything being at stake."

Since the Wallabies' end-of-season tour last year Deans has at last been able to catch his breath and properly relocate to Sydney, moving into a rented house rather than living in a hotel.
Meanwhile, Deans has given a stark warning to New Zealand rugby to look after club rugby or risk the sport ending up like it is in Australia.

Across the ditch rugby competes with league, soccer, cricket and AFL. And Deans fears rugby in New Zealand could head down the same path.

"Both countries have to maintain that connection with the clubs and the geographical areas where players emanate from," Deans said."What New Zealand is looking at Australia to learn from is they could head very fast to being in a competitive market, as competitive as this (in Australia) if they don't cater for those core tenants. We're very aware of them and we're catering for those needs and finding the solutions. None of us can afford to be complacent and the challenges are consistent but were coming at them from different points."

Australia's third tier, the Australian Rugby Championship, only lasted one season with CEO John O'Neill scrapping it after the 2007 campaign.
Deans doesn't feel Australia is missing out by not having its own version of the Air New Zealand Cup and says when the Super rugby season is extended to six months in 2011 it will no longer be financially viable for New Zealand to have a professional NPC.

"The domestic competition has been a valuable part of New Zealand rugby and has given exposure to the next generation," Deans said."Obviously, New Zealand has got a greater history of domestic rugby (than Australia) but that has been usurped now by Super rugby. Since professionalism, both countries have tried to maintain three tiers of professionalism and it's just not sustainable.You look at the current economic climate and that's even less sustainable. The reality is you can't maintain three professional tiers of rugby, so you're going to end up with two. What that looks like, no one knows. The discussions are going on and the permutations are enormous. But we're going to get there."

"It's going to look different but it won't involve a professional NPC and a professional Super Rugby competition that goes across the year. People on both sides of the Tasman are contemplating all this now."

Understrength Crusaders take heart from loss

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4856014a25925.html

Sunday Star Times
Sunday, 22 February 2009

Crusaders captain Kieran Read says the Crusaders can take plenty of heart out of their agonising last- minute loss to the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night.

Opposing captain Stirling Mortlock's tricky conversion of Mark Gerrard's last-minute try stole the game from them.
"It's pretty tough to face a result like that," Read lamented after Crusaders had succumbed to relentless pressure on their line over the final minutes."It was unfortunate that we let in that last try and then the kick went over . . .I felt we were on defence for a lot of the time. We couldn't quite hold onto the ball, which was our downfall. We weren't building enough pressure. We done well to get 16 points but we probably needed a few more."

The Crusaders went into the match without Richie McCaw, Brad Thorn and Leon MacDonald, and were hit by injuries to other stalwarts - Andy Ellis and Corey Flynn - during the game.
But the players called up to fill in for the stars still played with plenty of passion.

"We know that everyone that steps into a Crusaders jersey is going to give 100% and do us proud," Read said. "We showed it today that we don't need those guys to do well.
"We stuck at our task. The defence was great, you can't really fault that, we really got up on our line speed and shut them down which was awesome for us."

Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles praised his side's forward effort after they pounded the Crusaders' line for the final 10 minutes.
"We showed a lot of character," the No 8 said."There is plenty to work on but attitude and character are big ingredients for a win and we showed that. The most pleasing thing was that the forwards really controlled the game at the end there. Our set piece was great and I'd have to pay a whole heap of credit to our forward pack, they were outstanding."

Colin Slade got the Crusaders on the scoreboard first through a penalty in the sixth minute after Kiwi referee Bryce Lawrence adjudged the Brumbies to have collapsed a scrum on their own 5m line, even though they had the put-in.

Ten minutes later Gerrard squared the ledger with a penalty from just outside the Crusaders' 22. Straight after, Crusaders centre Casey Laulala, who has had a sensational start to the season, pounced on a blind pass from Brumbies openside George Smith to run 40 metres for a try.

Four minutes before the break, the Crusaders' defence, which had looked so solid up to that point, was caught out badly with Read and Ross Filipo leaving a big gap for Smith to run through, with the flanker offloading to Christian Lealiifano to score.

Stephen Brett landed a penalty in the 39th minute to make it 11-8 at the break.
Fifteen minutes into the second half Mortlock squared the match with a huge penalty on the Crusaders' 10m line.
But again, the Crusaders bounced straight back with Filipo capitalising on a Colin Slade charge- down.
The Brumbies' attack was relentless late in the game, spending nearly all the last 10 minutes around the Crusaders 5m line and it was almost a relief when Gerrard held off two tacklers to cross the line and Mortlock landed the tough conversion to grab victory.
It was the Crusaders' first loss under the leadership of debutant coach Todd Blackadder.

Brumbies 18: Christian Lealiifano, Mark Gerrard tries; Mark Gerrard pen; Stirling Mortlock pen, con.
Crusaders 16: Casey Laulala, Ross Filipo tries; Colin Slade pen; Stephen Brett pen.

Ht: 8-11.

Read rues stifled Crusaders' attacks

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4856757a25925.html

By RICHARD KNOWLER , The Press
Monday, 23 February 2009

Kieran Read lamented the Crusaders' inability to annex the Brumbies' territory on Saturday night and conceded it cost them dearly. Blindside flanker Read, who captained the Crusaders in the absence of the concussed Richie McCaw at Canberra Stadium, noted the Brumbies' kicking game put his side under pressure and negated much of their robust defensive work.

"They kicked well and probably caught us in some awkward positions a few times," Read admitted."We didn't quite get the territory we wanted and got caught playing in the middle of the field a little bit."

Mark Gerrard was the major weapon in the Brumbies' kicking game, the fullback often sending the Crusaders back into their own half with his booming punts into touch. While first five-eight Christian Lealiifano had a forgettable night, the experienced Gerrard's tactical nous was outstanding, preventing the Crusaders from mounting any sustained attacks inside the Brumbies quarter.

"We just couldn't hold onto the ball when we needed to and were stuck playing in the middle of the field when we had it," Read lamented."We just turned it over a few too many times to maintain the pressure."

Despite McCaw's absence, the Crusaders operated effectively at the breakdown and his replacement at openside flanker, George Whitelock, worked well with Read. But the Brumbies' George Smith again demonstrated why he is rated Australia's best No7, picking his moments to slow down ruck ball, effect steals and carry the ball although it was his crazy pass that led to Casey Laulala scoring the Crusaders first try.

Read described watching Stirling Mortlock's match-winning conversion as "pretty difficult to take"."There was a bit of devastation initially. But our defence was outstanding and you can't fault that."

Various links

http://www.super14.com/news/viewarticle.asp?id=18337 : McCaw & Carter bag new sponsorships


http://www.super14.com/news/viewarticle.asp?id=18395 : No McCaw, Thorn or McDonals as Crusaders face brumbies

Crusaders woes lift Brumbies stocks

http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/news/crusaders-woes-lift-brumbies/2009/02/19/1234632976439.html
Greg Growden Chief Rugby Correspondent
February 20, 2009

THE Brumbies yesterday discovered they have been blessed even more than the Waratahs, with their visiting New Zealand opponents decimated by injury on the eve of the second round.
When those opponents are the dominant Crusaders, the Brumbies have every right to feel relieved before tomorrow night's match at Canberra Stadium.

Fortune first favoured the Waratahs, with the withdrawal of the Chiefs' All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina and dangerous No.8 Sione Lauaki from tonight's Sydney Football Stadium encounter.
While the loss of Muliaina and Lauaki are significant for the Chiefs, the Crusaders have been gutted. Concussed All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has withdrawn, as have fellow Test players Leon Macdonald (fullback, shoulder) and Brad Thorn (second-rower, heel).

McCaw, the world's premier openside breakaway, is near impossible to replace, and his absence could give his opposite, George Smith, a relatively free rein. Thorn and Macdonald are also heavy losses, and it was not surprising that shortly after their withdrawals were announced bookmakers slashed the odds for a Brumbies win.

Brumbies coach Andy Friend yesterday attempted to downplay his side's perceived advantage, saying the Crusaders "play a certain game style, it doesn't matter who's wearing jerseys 1 to 15, that game style will come through".

Nonetheless, the missing All Blacks have put a dampener on what was originally the Super 14 match of the round. With the Crusaders rarely so vulnerable, the Brumbies would rue not capitalising on it.

The Western Force haven't been so fortunate, with their Test fullback Cameron Shepherd yesterday ruled out because of soreness in his lower leg for tonight's match at Subiaco Oval. Drew Mitchell moves from the wing to fullback, while Haig Sare returns to the starting XV.

An Australian medical study has concluded that padded headgear does not reduce the rate of concussion or head injury for rugby players. The study concluded that although players may choose to wear the padded headgear, its routine use could not be recommended to reduce the chance of sustaining concussion while playing or training.

A report published in the journal, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, details how researchers monitored the on-field performance of more than 4000 players, aged between 12 and 20. One group wore no headgear, a second group wore a scrum cap permitted by the International Rugby Board, and a third wore modified headgear with thicker, denser padding.

The study found that there was no difference in the rate of head injury or concussion between the control group and those wearing standard headgear. Those wearing the non-standard, modified headgear claimed it was uncomfortable.

The study was led by Dr Andrew McIntosh, a biomechanics expert at the University of NSW School of Risk and Safety Sciences, working with colleagues at the University of Melbourne, the University of Ballarat, the University of Otago and Monash University.

The New Zealand Rugby Union will continue with plans to send a Maori team to South Africa this year to play the Springboks in Soweto, despite the racial composition of the side attracting criticism. The match is under threat because the South African Rugby Union's presidents council forbids its teams from playing racially selected opponents.

The NZRU's general manager of professional rugby, Neil Sorenson, is seeking clarification from the SARU.

2009 Super 14 ; Day 2

Hurricanes v Highlanders 20/2 17:35
Waratahs v Chiefs 20/2 19:40
Western Force v Cheetahs 20/2 21:45
Stormers v Reds 21/2 04:10
Brumbies v Crusaders 21/2 04:10
Bulls v Blues 22/2 02:00
Sharks v Lions 22/2 04:10

All times AEST

For further details : http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/

Concussed McCaw ruled out of Brumbies match

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4852855a22363.html

By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE, RugbyHeaven
Thursday, 19 February 2009

Crusaders skipper Richie McCaw has concussion and won't be risked against the Brumbies as the Super 14 champions also look to cover the loss of two other All Blacks for Saturday night's demanding fixture in Canberra.

Lock Brad Thorn (heel) and fullback Leon MacDonald (shoulder) join McCaw on the sidelines for this second round match.
Flanker McCaw suffered a head knock in the opening victory over the Chiefs last week.
The Crusaders said that and although McCaw has improved significantly, according to concussion protocols he has not recovered sufficiently to play on Saturday.
McCaw has a history of head problems for both the Crusaders and the All Blacks.
George Whitelock pulls on the No 7 jersey this weekend, facing a big battle against Wallabies flanker George Smith.
Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder said McCaw was close to being available but was not quite 100 per cent.

"He has been following our concussion protocols this week and we've been monitoring him closely but the Crusaders management, along with Richie, have decided that he won't play this week," Blackadder said.

Thorn left AMI Stadium last week with a plantar fascia injury while MacDonald also went off early against the Chiefs with an A/C joint injury.
Isaac Ross comes in for Thorn and utility Stephen Brett replaces MacDonald.
Flanker Kieran Read will captain the side.

Blackadder said it was too early to say how long Thorn and MacDonald would be out for.
Blackadder was confident the injured players' replacements would step up against the Brumbies.

"George, Isaac and Stephen are quality players and this is a great opportunity for them," he said."You can never go through this competition without picking up injuries and, although having three experienced players out at the same time is unfortunate, I'm sure these young guys will make their presence felt."

Loose forward Nasi Manu and back Ryan Crotty come on to the reserves bench.

CRUSADERS: 15 Stephen Brett, 14 Jared Payne, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Kade Poki, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Kieran Read (c), 5 Ross Filipo, 4 Isaac Ross, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: 16 Jason Macdonald, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Michael Paterson, 19 Nasi Manu, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Ryan Crotty, 22 Adam Whitelock.

Captain's message

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If you want it, just email us at maryandfss@hotmail.fr, subject "captain's message"

Crusaders win costly as injured players exit

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4849243a25925.html

By RICHARD KNOWLER, The Press
Monday, 16 February 2009

The Crusaders' victory over the Chiefs has come at a cost, with Leon MacDonald in danger of missing next weekend's match against the Brumbies.

The veteran fullback, who has played 117 Super matches, injured the AC joint in his shoulder during the 19-13 win at AMI Stadium on Saturday night and coach Todd Blackadder is not confident he will front for the second-round Super 14 match against the Brumbies in Canberra.
"We'll assess it on Monday but at the moment it's probably not looking that great," Blackadder said.

With fellow All Black Dan Carter in France, MacDonald's experience has been highly prized by the Crusaders who look for him to provide guidance in a backline that includes newcomers Colin Slade and Jared Payne.

If MacDonald is ruled out, Blackadder has the option of starting Stephen Brett at fullback or moving Payne from the right wing.

Brett played the final seven minutes at fullback on Saturday night and Blackadder will be tempted to start him there and leave Payne on the wing. With Sean Maitland still nursing a hamstring injury and unlikely to be fit in time, the Crusaders are running short of outside backs. Brett, who prefers playing first five-eighth but has been dislodged from that position by Slade, looks the logical choice to start at No15.

Brad Thorn is another to be troubled by injury; the lock was replaced in the 57th minute by Isaac Ross because of a foot problem.

"He said at halftime he had a bit of a sore heel and we just assessed it to see how it felt and he said it was not improving and we subbed him because of that," Blackadder added.

If Thorn is forced out, it must be serious enough to cause him serious discomfort. Rarely during his decorated career in rugby or rugby league has he been cut down by injury and it is a record Thorn, a fitness fanatic, has been proud of.

The Brumbies will be lying in wait for the Crusaders after beating the Highlanders 33-31 in Dunedin on Friday night and having fought back from a 19-point deficit. The charge was led by hulking Wallaby midfielder Stirling Mortlock and they will be buoyant at the thought of facing a team missing Carter, MacDonald and Thorn.

Although he hinted it would be unreasonable for a team not to make errors so early in the season, Blackadder will be desperate for his men to chop back the number of handling errors they made against the Chiefs.

Forty-three is a whopping amount in anyone's book. The Crusaders could have paid the price and lost if the Chiefs had not also suffered a case of the dropsies at crucial times.
Even if MacDonald beats the odds and that seems unlikely Slade is expected to retain his position ahead of Brett.

Slade, 21, set up centre Casey Laulala's first try with a deft grubber behind the advancing Chiefs' backs in the first half. Although some of his clearances were wobbly and he slotted only two of his five shots at goal, he rarely looked rattled. Inside his intestines must have been churning, but he was not afraid to carry the ball towards the line and there were no leaks down his defensive channel.

"For all the pressure he was under and in his first start against such a physical team he came through with a real pass mark," Blackadder said.

Crusaders on song as new coach begins

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4849229a25925.html

By RICHARD KNOWLER, The Press
Monday, 16 February 2009

Robbie Deans has gone, and if things go well, will soon be forgotten.

Halfback Andy Ellis reckoned it was business as usual for the Crusaders this season, despite no longer having Deans, the most successful coach in the history of the Super competition, on board.
With Deans now guiding the Wallabies, Ellis said new coach Todd Blackadder had made a seamless transition into the top job.

"It doesn't really feel like Deans has gone. Toddy has just slid in and it's all about the team again. But it's nice for them [the new coaches] that we got off to a good start. Hopefully it continues on like that."

Ellis did not lack for incentive to perform in Saturday night's 19-13 win over the Chiefs, with Brendon Leonard back from injury and preparing to win back the All Blacks' spot from the other contenders Ellis, Jimmy Cowan and Piri Weepu.

Leonard's running game impressed as he made several telling snipes around the ruck, while Ellis was the busiest of the Crusaders backs in defence and, with the assistance of Colin Slade, did well to prevent his opponent from scoring from a quick tap in the second spell.

"I suppose seeing that it was Brendon I didn't want him to score a try as well and I put a bit of extra effort in."

Handling errors could have cost the Crusaders their victory, the home side making a massive 43 fumbles to the Chiefs' 25. At times there was almost a jamboree feel to the game as passes shot high, wide and forward of their receivers and cost the Crusaders vital opportunities.

"There is just a bit of rustiness," Ellis said. "In pre-season games we have been throwing the ball around ... If we had put three or four phases together we could have scored some more tries instead of trying to score off second phase."

RugbyHeaven's videos

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/videoplayer/139404a22473.html : Super 14: week 1 wrap
RugbyHeaven's Marc Hinton and Duncan Johnstone wrap up the action from an exciting opening week of Super 14 rugby

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/videoplayer/139328a22473.html : Solid Super 14 start
The first weekend of the Super 14 is complete, with a reasonably high standard of football for so-early in the season.

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/videoplayer/139300a22473.html : Reviewing Super 14's opening matches
The New Zealand teams are counting the cost of their injuries after the opening matches of the Super 14.

S14 2009 Round 1 Crusaders v Chiefs - More photos!!

Lucky hands...

Don't just stand there Richie, do something!

Sorry... I couldn't resist :)

FSS 1st article on the official blog!!!

The previous post was FSS's first post on this blog!!! and it's one of our best....
Please enjoy her personal pics, taken just for her co-RGs!!!!

http://richie-mccaw.blogspot.com/2009/02/s14-2009-round-1-crusaders-v-chiefs.html

S14 2009 Round 1 - Crusaders v Chiefs - Photos

There'll be a few more ... if you ask nicely ;)

(catching up my delay....) Blackadder's balancing act

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4839813a25800.html

The Press
Friday, 06 February 2009

As a player, Todd Blackadder was never short of support among Crusaders fans.

Many viewed him as a hard-nosed grafter that was prepared to work himself to the bone on the field, one that would never contemplate stepping back from the nasty stuff, and the sort of bloke who would probably be decent company over a beer afterwards.

Now Blackadder is back in Crusaders territory, but this time with the responsibility of being head coach of the most successful franchise in the history of the Super competition.
As a player he helped build the Crusaders into the juggernaut they are today: he played 71 games for the franchise between 1996 and 2001 and won three titles as captain. He had to deal with pressure in that role, but getting down to business on the field is a world away from watching from inside the confines of the coaches' box.

Adding to the heat on Blackadder and his assistants Mark Hammett and Daryl Gibson is the expectation that they continue the legacy left by Robbie Deans.
For the record, the Crusaders won two Super titles under Wayne Smith between 1997 and 1999 and five under Deans from 2000.

Although the Crusaders have lost a handful of players, including Dan Carter (France), Greg Somerville (England), Ali Williams (Blues) and Mose Tuiali'i (Japan), Blackadder has still been left the bones of a side that knows how to win titles and is capable of winning more.

If he is sweating about the prospect of having to prove himself as Deans' successor and the demands that the Crusaders will again be the beast that all others fear, Blackadder is hiding it well. "I enjoy the privilege of being a coach of the Crusaders. This is the people's team and I understand that. I have never, ever felt it has been a burden or that I am under pressure. I understand all that. If things didn't go well, for example - and I know that they will - it wouldn't be for a lack of trying, I can tell you that."

As a player, Blackadder, now 37, could be an uncompromising brute. He was brought up in the amateur age of hard knocks when players were not afraid to sort out their own disputes and were not under scrutiny from a plethora of TV cameras. Be it at club or provincial level, opponents that messed with Todd Julian Blackadder in the pre-professional era did so at their peril.

As the skipper of All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury teams, he was also not afraid to march out of the line and challenge referees if a call went against his men.
As far as his supporters were concerned, Blackadder was just exercising his democratic rights as skipper. Fans from the opposition camp often thought otherwise - that he was using his reputation and bulk to intimidate referees.

Now he will operate in a different world; one where he has to make difficult selection decisions of a different kind. It is also a world where he has to be mindful that he could bruise players' feelings with too many harsh words, yet he also has to be prepared to let them know he is no pushover.

"I would like to think of myself as balanced, a little bit of everything," he says. "And there are times when you need to be all of those things.
"It's like any sort of relationship and it's where you are in it. It's about give and take, and my heart's always in the right place. I'm pretty direct. I'm not a wordsmith. If something needs to be said, then I will always say it."

He also adds that when he speaks he does so for a reason, that there is always a goal in mind. All coaches are different. Some have a reputation for letting go with a tidal wave of words, while others say very little.
Striking the balance, Blackadder reckons, is the key.

"It's always for the betterment of the team or the individual. I never talk down to people and I always think I treat people with the utmost respect, and that's how I expect to be treated myself."

The three Crusaders coaches are in the unique position of coaching some men they have played alongside. In 2001 they were members of a Crusaders team that also included Leon MacDonald, Brad Thorn and a young Richie McCaw.
But if Blackadder has to make difficult decisions that could impact on a player's career but help the team, he says he will have no hesitation. "It's a part of coaching and if I was afraid of making those decisions I would not be coaching."

Since playing his 128th and final game for Canterbury in 2001, Blackadder has been involved in coaching with Edinburgh, Scotland and Tasman and was a technical assistant with the Crusaders in 2007.
At the Crusaders he will oversee the coaching operation, with Hammett and scrum coach Dave Hewett working with the forwards and Gibson taking care of the backline.

Deans might now be the head coach of the Wallabies, a country that caused Blackadder some heartache when he was All Blacks skipper in 2000, but he is not out of bounds if the new Crusaders coach wants advice.

"It is a new regime and we are just getting on with it. I have caught up with Robbie a couple of times; once was during pre-selection and we talked about the process and the pros and cons. I know him that well in that it's just enjoyable to have a coffee with him, and Robbie has said he has an open door policy. If there is anything I would like to discuss and if I needed to I would certainly do that. I would never cut my nose off to spite my face, you know."

Away from the field, Blackadder, like Deans, likes to take his jet boat for a spin or hop on his motorbike to help clear his head. He says he does not miss playing, especially when he thinks of how sore his body was the day after matches.

"I exercise and try and keep myself fit and healthy. More for the mind, than the body. I enjoy all the things that life provides like the jet boating and I enjoy a bit of off-road motorbiking. I usually have a go at anything and I enjoy that balance."

Rugby coaches have to love the travelling life, as do their families.
Wife Priscilla has moved down to Christchurch with Blackadder, but they have retained a house in Nelson where they were based while Todd coached Tasman. Their eldest daughter, Shinae, is working there and son Ethan is enrolled at boarding school.

For any professional sports coach whose livelihood depends on how many points their team accumulates on the competition log, learning how to deal with the stress and demands is part of the job.

"It is not easy at times," Blackadder admits. "But it's part of doing the right thing by this team as well; you have to be sharp in this role."

And sometimes solutions appear when coaches start to unwind, he says. "Usually the best ideas just pop into your head (when not thinking about rugby). If you are mulling things over . . . well, the definition of insanity is doing the same things over again. You only have to switch off and leave it alone and if it comes to you, it comes to you. If not, ask the question and try to get some stimulus that way."

Given the success that Deans had during his nine years in charge, it is unlikely Blackadder will radically change the systems and ideas that he introduced: "This is a very successful team and we have looked at the framework of what has gone really well, and we have stimulated some areas of opportunity."

Another article sent by Izzy : http://richiemccaw-bis.blogspot.com/2009/02/untitled.html

Crusaders stay calm to show Chiefs who's boss

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4847992a22363.html

Another Crusade is under way again in correct fashion with Todd Blackadder's red and balcks opening the new era with a hard fought win over the Chiefs in their Super 14 clash in Christchurch on Saturday evening.

It seems the more things change the more they stay the same for the Crusaders, the reigning champions.

They opened their title defence with a new coach and minus a raft of experienced players now plying their trade elsewhere.

But the departure of time-time coach Robbie Deans was barely felt as his successor, Blackadder, enjoyed a grafting 19-13 success at home.

The Crusaders were in anything but vintage form, though, a litany of loose passes and handling errors ensuring this contest never rose to memorable heights.

It took some typically determined Crusaders resolve to get them home in the final quarter, too, after Chiefs winger Lelia Masaga used his renowned pace to sprint around fullback Leon Macdonald for a 61st-minute try which lifted his team to within one point of the hosts.
The Crusaders spent the next seven minute camped inside Chiefs territory, applying pressure when they could and patiently awaiting an opening.

It did not come, as the Chiefs stormed downfield on a counter-attack, forcing a 5m scrum when Macdonald was gang-tackled over his own line.
But the Crusaders held firm and returned the favour, forcing a 5m scrum at the other end before counting down the clock in clinical fashion.

Their patience was rewarded on the stroke of fulltime when centre Casey Laulala scored his second try of the match, stepping inside one tackler before sneaking between two others to find the line.
The first spell was filled with errors from both sides, while the scrum was a constant source of irritation as both packs infringed on a regular basis.

Between all the whistle the Crusaders found time for first-half tries to Laulala, following a delicate chip ahead by first five-eighth Colin Slade, and winger Tim Bateman, who scooped up a loose ball on halfway and outpaced his chasers.
The Chiefs' sole try in the spell was somewhat fortunate, coming after an ill-directed kicked ahead from first-five Stephen Donald.

The ball screwed off the side of his boot but fortuitously bounced into the hands Masaga, who hared 50m downfield before offloading in the tackle for centre Richard Kahui to score.
Crusaders captain Richie McCaw was content with the result, but acknowledged his team were well below their best.

"Obviously, being the first game of the season, you don't expect to be perfect," he told Sky Sport.
"There were times we had them under pressure and perhaps our mistakes let them off but perhaps they felt the same. There were a lot of positives there for us and stuff that I guess you always have to work on."

Crusaders 19: Casey Laulala 2, Tim Bateman tries; Colin Slade 2 con
Chiefs 13: Richard Kahui, Lelia Masaga tries; Stephen Donald pen.
HT: 14-5.

Other link : http://www.super14.com/news/viewarticle.asp?id=18281

Super 14 2009. Day 1. Matches

Friday (French time)
Otago Highlanders - ACT Brumbies : 07:35
Western Force - Auckland Blues : 11:45
Golden Lions - Central Cheetahs : 18:10

Saturday (French Time)
Canterbury Crusaders - Waikato Chiefs : 05:30
Wellington Hurricanes - NSW Waratahs : 07:35
Western Stormers - Coastal Sharks : 16:00
Northern Bulls - Queensland Reds : 18:10

Super 14 2009 starts tonigt NZ Time

I'm so sorry abt the delay in publishing but as soon as I am 'off duty' (i.e. when the kids are no longer ill), then everything will be online, I promise!!!

Have fun, enjoy your weekend and the match (lucky you!!!)

Bisous,

Mary*L

Crusaders top of the list-again

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4839809a22459.html
By HAMISH BIDWELL, The Press
Friday, 06 February 2009

Another season, another opportunity to make bold predictions that leave nothing but egg on your face.Nonetheless, The Press has bravely run its rule over the Super 14 teams in the hope of sorting the wheat from the chaff. All that we can be certain of is that one team will win this competition and history tells us the Crusaders have a better chance than most.

Here's how they rate:

* Crusaders

There are strong arguments against the Crusaders doing it again, what with the talent that has departed since last year's final, both on and off the paddock. Ask yourself how many franchises could absorb the loss of Robbie Deans, Dan Carter, Mose Tuiali'i et al. But if any outfit can, it is this one.

After all, when you have Richie McCaw, you have to be favourites every time you take the paddock.

Predicted finish: 1st.

* Sharks

Worthy semifinalists a year ago, the Sharks have enlisted none other than rugby league legend Andrew Johns to assist in their pre- season activities. Coach John Plumtree raved about "Joey's" input and it will be interesting to see if he provides the missing ingredient.

Three finals for three runners-up medals - this could be the year to break the duck.

Predicted finish: 2nd.

* Hurricanes

Another team which, the law of averages suggests, must win this competition eventually. Their forwards lack a bit of grunt and first five- eighth looks a three-way lottery between Piri Weepu, Willie Ripia and Daniel Kirkpatrick, but with 12 All Blacks in the squad, the Hurricanes theoretically boast plenty of quality.

A solid semifinal bet.

Predicted finish: 3rd.

* Bulls

By his own admission, Bulls coach Frans Ludeke was completely unprepared for life under the ELVs in 2008. Wounded by a poor defence of the title they won in 2007, the Bulls have put plenty of work into their conditioning this time around.

Predicted finish: 4th.

* Waratahs

Did extremely well to make last year's final, in the face of internal strife when coach Ewen McKenzie was told mid-season his contract would not be renewed. Watch out for Kurtley Beale and Timana Tahu in the backs.

Predicted finish: 5th

* Blues

Like the Waratahs, starting with a clean slate under a new coach. Pat Lam has done well with many of these players at domestic level and it will be fascinating to see if he can turn the once great franchise around.

The lack of a real general in the No 10 jersey may hurt them, with Jimmy Gopperth and Tasesa Lavea both erratic at times.

Predicted finish: 6th.

* Chiefs

Ian Foster seems to be well regarded in national coaching circles but his results with the Chiefs have been consistently underwhelming. Again, he has decent cattle at his disposal this season, players who ought to be capable of making semifinals.

They will be good to watch when they win, but may ultimately frustrate their loyal fans once again.

Predicted finish: 7th.

* Western Force

Things are a bit shambolic in Perth right now, but the Force players can at least take heart from what the Waratahs achieved last year in spite of a degree of antipathy between themselves and coach Ewen McKenzie.

Coach John Mitchell has an outstanding backline, fairly capable forwards and loyal fans at Subiaco Oval.

Predicted finish: 8th.

* Stormers

They possess one of the canniest rugby players in warhorse A J Venter. Plugging away at lock these days, he is again complemented by Schalk Burger in a useful pack. In Jean de Villiers, Conrad Jantjes and Percy Montgomery there is experience and ability in the backs. Somehow they just have not put the results together on a consistent basis.

Predicted finish: 9th.

* Brumbies

Once the Crusaders' greatest foe, an inability to hang on to successful players still appears to be hurting the Brumbies. The Gregans and Larkhams have long gone, but the grooming of their heirs continues to take time. It is nice to see wing Clyde Rathbone back after two years out with injury. In general, though, this team still looks a year or two off reaching their potential.

Predicted finish: 10th.

* Highlanders

No-one would have predicted Hawkes Bay would do so well after being elevated to Air New Zealand Cup footy, so it could hardly be a surprise if the same players fired for the Highlanders. The loss of lock Tom Donnelly with a thumb injury is a big blow.

Predicted finish: 12th.

* Cheetahs

A big team, they will provide visiting teams with the odd headache. They are light on players with Springbok experience and it is hard to see them winning too often in New Zealand or even Australia.

Predicted finish: 13th.

* Lions

The franchise's website claims coach Eugene "Loffie" Eloff "never ceases to amaze with his ability to motivate and inspire his team to go from strength to strength." Now in his third year at the helm, Eloff will have to be at his absolute best to return real pride to the Lions.

Predicted finish: 14th.

highlanders-stunned-by-crusaders-comeback

http://www.crusaders.co.nz/news/highlanders-stunned-by-crusaders-comeback/255/news.aspx

Fitness and strength in depth are proving invaluable at this early stage of the Crusaders season, with the defending champions again staging a late comeback to win a trial match.
Against the Highlanders in front of an excellent crowd of 6500 at Alpine Energy Stadium in Timaru last night, the Crusaders came from 17 points down to win 40-17.

In the end it was a convincing victory for the Crusaders, the 45th-minute introduction of 11 substitutes including All Blacks Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Andy Ellis and Ben Franks making a big impact.
The six tries to two victory contained a lot of positives for the Crusaders coaching trio of Todd Blackadder, Mark Hammett and Daryl Gibson, with the Highlanders competing very well early on. The southerners were particularly effective in the ruck, scrum and defensive parts of the game.

New captain Jimmy Cowen played the first half hour and he showed with his fine performance how important he will be for the Highlanders this seson.
The Crusaders also fought back from a big deficit to beat the Western Force in Perth last week and the strong finishes are a testament to the fitness of the squad.

Fullback/wing Jared Payne, also a sub, had a hand in the first three tries for the Crusaders and scored the final touchdown. He showed a lot of pace and ability in setting up Isaac Ross, Kieran Read and Stephen Brett for five pointers.

Prop Wyatt Crockett, another ‘super-sub’, scored the fourth try for the Crusaders, with second-five Ryan Crotty also getting on the scoresheet when crashing over in the corner.

The defending champions were down 0-10 with 15 minutes on the clock, an early Daniel Bowden penalty and converted David Hall try punishing a scratchy start littered with many errors.
A Brett break at the start of the second 30 hinted of better things to come for the Crusaders.

However, it was Bowden who opened the scoring in the second 30, the first-five capitalising on a series of attacks by the Highlanders to ghost over in a tackle near the posts.

After that it was one-way traffic for the Crusaders. Payne was a standout for them, showing speed, elusiveness and fine judgment to make the breaks which put Ross, Read and Brett away for tries. Colin Slade also shone at first five, looking very sharp and kicking five from six conversion attempts..

Leon MacDonald looked strong and fit at fullback and flanker Read also made his presence felt.
It was another good hit-out for the players and the coaches. The Crusaders will wrap up their preparation with an inter-squad hit-out at Rugby Park, Christchurch, on Thursday night.

The first match of the season is against the Chiefs at AMI Stadium on Saturday, February 14.

Rugby: Blues, Crusaders win warm-up games

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/crusaders-rugby-team/news/article.cfm?c_id=166&objectid=10554473

Saturday Jan 31, 2009

The Blues and Crusaders have scored confidence-boosting wins in Super 14 warm up action.
The Blues beat the Queensland Reds 26-14 at Auckland's Waitakere Stadium while the Crusaders overturned a 17-nil halftime deficit to hammer the Highlanders 40-17 in Timaru.
The Hurricanes conceded a couple of late tries to lose 28-14 to the Brumbies in Canberra.

- NEWSTALK ZB

timaru

pic sent by Izzy