The Crusaders have a new Toddfather.
Coach Todd Blackadder's nappy-changing days are long gone, but flanker Matt Todd became a first-time father last Sunday.
The 24-year-old didn't dwell on the defeat in Dunedin too long – instead of patrolling rucks he was pacing hospital corridors and at partner Anna's bedside as she gave birth to daughter Sadie.
"We went in there Sunday morning and she arrived just after nine on Sunday night, so it was a good day," Todd said. "Mum and baby are doing well, which is the main thing."
The delivery went to plan.
"I caught an early flight back on Sunday morning because she was induced then we were in hospital most of the day."
Todd said Sadie was born "all good and healthy, with no complications" and he was quickly into doting dad mode.
"I wasn't at training on Monday and I had [Tuesday] off, because it was a day off anyway, but I'm back into it now. It's been a good distraction for a couple of days but I've switched my focus back to footy now and am looking forward to this weekend."
The Crusaders, collectively, got bashed at the breakdown by the Highlanders and Todd said they were aware they had to step up against the Chiefs in Napier tomorrow night.
"We know last week wasn't acceptable or good enough. It's just a mental thing, we know we've got the ability, it's just a matter of fronting mentally and being there and being ready to go.
"It's certainly going to be a tough battle in the loose, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Opensider Todd said the Chiefs had plenty of depth in the No7 ranks. New Zealand under-20 international Sam Cane was "a good young player who's performing at every opportunity he gets".
"It will be interesting to see if they go with him or [Tanerau] Latimer at seven, they've mixed it up. And they've also got [former All Black] Scott Waldrom in there, so they've got three quality sevens.
"Whatever one it is will be a tough challenge."
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