Looking ahead to the 2010 Super 14: Crusaders
The Crusaders have dominated Super Rugby over the years, but only managed to sneak into the knockout stages above the Waratahs on points difference. Always a massive threat, be it at homeor away, the Crusaders remain one of the biggest games on any teams roster. That being said, I do however think tat it is safe to say that the whole stigma surrounding them as “invincible” has eroded away.
The Crusaders will, this season, want to try and reclaim their place at the top of the Super Rugby food chain, and let the rugby supporting fraternity know that they are still the kings of the Southern Hemisphere competition. Whether they will manage to do this remains to be seen, as the Super 14 becomes more and more evenly contested each year. With the top eight or ten teams all having a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages, and what happens in the semis is anyone’s guess.
The Crusaders will still, and probably always, be one of the favourites going into the competition. With All Black supestars like Richie McCaw and Dan Carter running the show, it creates a solid foundation for success. That, coupled with the rest of the depth within the Crusaders camp, which is by far the deepest of any Super 14 union, is a recipe for success.
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George Smith, who in my opinion, revolutionised the role of a fetcher flank has just announced his retirement from international rugby. This from the Wallabies camp:
Umaga will join tournament hosts Bob Skinstad and Robbie Fleck and eight other former internationals in a star-studded International Legends team this weekend and he could not be more excited at the prospect of teaming up with his old foes.
