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Razor's admission: The Crusaders' big advantage before first game against Hurricanes

(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson believes his side will have a slight advantage heading into their first game of Super Rugby Aotearoa this weekend against the Hurricanes.

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The three-time defending Super Rugby champions had a bye on the first weekend of the rejigged competition, which allowed the team to observe the interpretation of the new rules – particularly at the breakdown – and put them into practice in training.

Robertson said they were fortunate to observe how the other teams reacted to the new rules and how it played out on the field.

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“When we saw the draw we just made the best of it. There’s going to be a little bit of an adjustment – you’ve got to adapt and learn as you go.

“We’re fortunate to have a good look at it but it’s rugby – some of those penalties aren’t avoidable. People just get caught in the wrong position. Our guys will do the best we can.”

There were close to 30 penalties in each of the two games last weekend, leading to more set pieces, which also plays to the Crusaders’ strengths.

“We haven’t seen that intensity for a while and were reasonably surprised,” Robertson said. “And obviously the speed of the game. But we’re just excited by how many lineouts there were. Because obviously there were penalties and a few kicks to the corner.

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“It’s a little bit of an adjustment to these interpretations around the breakdown so we get to have a look at it and we’ve been training for the last few weeks and we’ll give it our best.”

However, Robertson wasn’t getting too carried away and was aware that having an extra week off also provides several challenges.

“There’s an advantage in two ways. You learn by playing just as much as you can learn by watching. So we’ve got to make sure that we see the clear pictures that we were given. We know that they’re going to be extremely tough and hard around the breakdown.”

The Crusaders will be without captain Scott Barrett, who suffered a foot injury during a practice match in training.

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Robertson wasn’t sure about the extent of the injury but confirmed that the All Blacks lock hurt himself in a scrum and will be seeing a specialist.

But the 45-year-old coach was thankful for the depth at his disposal, with the return of Sam Whitelock into the starting lineup after his shortened Japanese sabbatical, as well as David Havilli and Ethan Blackadder to bolster the bench after recovering from long-term injuries.

Robertson was looking forward to getting back to business against a Hurricanes side looking to bounce back after an opening-round loss to the Blues.

“The Hurricanes are always extremely brutal matches,” he said. “We know the ferocity and the love we have between the two teams. They’re desperate straight away, aren’t they, after a loss.

“It’s a short, sharp sprint this and it just shows that the teams are winning at home. Your home games are really important and to win away is a big task. So they’ll be protecting their patch and we’re excited to get up there.”

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R
RedWarrior 34 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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