NPR

Caley_Red wrote: Mon Aug 10, 2020 12:25 am Yeah, could be game of the tournie thus far!

Would like to see the Blues win, it's good to have them back as a force after many years of lackluster SR performance.

FujiKiwi wrote: Mon Aug 10, 2020 12:29 am

Caley_Red wrote: Mon Aug 10, 2020 12:25 am Yeah, could be game of the tournie thus far!

Would like to see the Blues win, it's good to have them back as a force after many years of lackluster SR performance.

Welcome to the Blues Brothers, C-Red.

Scott Robertson exterminates remaining detractors after passing biggest test

OPINION: If Crusaders coach Scott Robertson hasn't exterminated his remaining detractors he perhaps never will.

Strolling around Orangetheory Stadium on Sunday evening, holding up four fingers – one for each of the titles he’s won since taking over as coach in 2017 – must have been mighty satisfying for the man overlooked as All Blacks coach eight months ago.

And don’t believe for a minute Robertson didn't take extra pleasure in becoming the first coach to win four straight Super titles, all while All Blacks coach Ian Foster watched from the stands as the Crusaders sealed the deal with a 32-22 win against the Highlanders.

Robertson had passed his biggest test, even bigger than in 2017, when the Crusaders were forced to travel to Johannesburg and beat the Lions in the decider at altitude in front of 62,000 fans.

Because this was the year some claimed the Crusaders would be ripe for the picking.

After all, more than 1000 caps departed after they marched to a third title in as many seasons last year.

Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Owen Franks, Ryan Crotty, Jordan Taufua - gone. Six others, including the retired Israel Dagg (89 caps) and midfielder Tim Bateman (50), also gone.

The old chestnut - anyone could coach the Crusaders with that roster – was brandished by doubters between 2017-19.

Never mind the fact Robertson's predecessor, Todd Blackadder, failed to win a title with an All Black-laden squad between 2009-16.

The fourth finger on Robertson's hand was for the detractors.

The Crusaders didn't just overcome a mass exodus, they also played the entire test match-like Super Rugby Aotearoa competition without captain Scott Barrett, one of the country’s best locks, due to a foot injury.

Utility David Havili (thumb) and flankers Ethan Blackadder (knee) and Cullen Grace (thumb) have also missed much of the competition.

Up stepped the likes of lock Mitch Dunshea and loose forwards Tom Sanders, Tom Christie and Sione Havili, a violent runner who reminds Robertson of Taufua.

When centre Braydon Ennor missed two matches with a foot injury, Robertson entrusted rookie Fetuli Paea.

The Crusaders always knew a mass exodus was coming after the 2019 season, prompting Robertson and general manager for professional rugby Angus Gardiner to start planning for the day in 2017.

“Obviously, myself and Angus Gardiner do a lot of work behind the scenes on our contracting. He's exceptional at it, and we knew this year was going to be a year for us to bring some young guys through," Robertson said in February.

Kudos must also go to his assistant coaches, a group which includes newcomers Scott Hansen and Welshman Mark Jones, replacements for Brad Mooar and Ronan O’Gara.

Forwards coach Jason Ryan has been there every step of the way, while Tasman head coach Andrew Goodman was promoted to coach the backs this season.

With a game left to play in Robertson’s fourth year in charge, his record reads: 59 wins, three draws (includes a cancelled game) and seven losses. The Crusaders are 11-2 this year, pre and post Covid-19.

As for head-to-head wins against fellow Kiwi teams, the surf-loving Razor boasts a 30-6 record.

Even when they’re off their game, as was the case against the Highlanders, they outscored their opponents four tries to three and amassed 32 points.

Indeed, his remarkable success will continue to raise the question: did the panel get it wrong by appointing Foster as Steve Hansen’s replacement?

Who knows. But the Crusaders are clearly the big winners from the decision.

Robertson still has another year on his contract, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he turns down overseas offers and extends his contract further, given the havoc Covid-19 is causing around the globe.

Regardless, it would take a brave soul to bet against Robertson extending five digits next season.

FujiKiwi wrote: Tue Aug 11, 2020 1:17 am All the more reason to hope for a Blues win this weekend, as maybe some of the media's overheated histrionics will be checked?

Ymx wrote: Tue Aug 11, 2020 6:27 pm Yes. What’s the current situation?

Feels like an extreme reaction to threaten a mega close down.

JPNZ wrote: Tue Aug 11, 2020 7:57 pm

Ymx wrote: Tue Aug 11, 2020 6:27 pm Yes. What’s the current situation?

Feels like an extreme reaction to threaten a mega close down.

This game will be pulled. Crusaders are not flying into Auckland and I don't blame them. Under level 3 all air travel unless essential is ruled out and level 3 (ends but it will be extended) midnight on Friday.

Lucky the championship is already decided

FujiKiwi wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2020 5:51 am Yeah, it's ending on a bit of a disappointing note, but the whole season was such a bonus anyway, and lots of memorable rugby played, with some good new names coming through.

Caley_Red wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2020 5:57 am Definitely been a great tournie.

Any emerging ABs from it?

Although my selection is entirely biased by the sample of games I watched, I was very impressed with the following: Pari Parkinson, Will Jordan, Finlay Christie and Sotutu

Caley_Red wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2020 5:57 am Definitely been a great tournie.

Any emerging ABs from it?

Although my selection is entirely biased by the sample of games I watched, I was very impressed with the following: Pari Parkinson, Will Jordan, Finlay Christie and Sotutu

The status of the match will be determined by the alert level announcement by the Prime Minister at 5.30pm on Friday.

The match will ONLY proceed this weekend if the alert level shifts to Level 1 or Level 2.

If this is the case, the Blues will announce their team at approximately 6pm on Friday, along with a general release about the status of the match and media attendance.

https://www.superrugby.co.nz/news/blues ... gust-2020/

JPNZ wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 1:44 am This match is done for. The North South match is next on the block. I cant see Auckland being out of L3/L4 in less than 2 weeks time

wet-socks wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 3:11 am Why is there a thread for this - but none for Hurricanes vs Highlanders? Because that's the only one with any chance of going ahead.

wet-socks wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 3:11 am Why is there a thread for this - but none for Hurricanes vs Highlanders? Because that's the only one with any chance of going ahead.

Caley_Red wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 3:53 amIs it 5:30pm NZ time we find out whether this game is going ahead?

Ymx wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 6:25 am Such a shame. This was the game of the season.

I will happily produce a game thread if a home or even away team supporter wants me to. Let me know.

wet-socks wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 7:04 am In the meantime, I guess that Highlanders Hurricanes thread is good to go?

Jb1981 wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 7:14 am I don’t see any point in rescheduling. As much as it could be a great game, we are at the end of the season. The teams are about to disperse and it might as well be an exhibition game if they were brought back together.

Auckman wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 10:18 am I heard today the NPC is still going ahead. Should things get back to level one by then (still up in the air) Auckland v Canterbury at full-strength might well draw a reasonable crowd to Eden Park.