Beaten finalists last season, the Crusaders will be looking to go one better this time around.
Super Rugby's most successful franchise is aiming for the top
Beaten finalists last season, the Crusaders will be looking to go one better this time around.
Super Rugby's most successful franchise have had a very emotional year, where losing in the final paled in comparison to the devastation caused by the earthquake that shook Christchurch.
The franchise has picked up the pieces remarkably well in the wake of this tragedy and are building on what was a very successful 2011 campaign on the field.
Preparations for their temporary stadium are almost complete and Rugby League Park is hopeful to host their second league home game against the Cheetahs.
Brighter news still is that Dan Carter, whose groin injury ruled him out of the latter stages of the World Cup, is on track to full recovery and could feature as early as March.
All Black captain Richie McCaw will miss the start of the campaign due to the surgery on his foot and Zac Guilford will also be sidelined for the first game as he completes a four-match suspension.
The Crusaders will miss the experience and ability of their key men early on, but such is the team ethic and depth of experience in Todd Blackadder's squad, that their replacements will be afforded every bit of assistance to execute their role effectively.
They have lost the talismanic Sonny Bill Williams to the Chiefs, but with the amount of talent they have at their disposal in the centre position, there appears to be life after the exit of SBW. This includes the impressive Robbie Fruean and youngster Ryan Crotty who formed an exciting partnership in last season's NPC.
Either way it serves to point out that the Crusaders have often been slow starters when it comes to Super Rugby, preferring to grow considerably hotter as the campaign progresses.
Expect a similar pattern in this campaign, where come the end of the season, the big game players will be in full flow.
Sale Sharks coach Tony Hanks' verdict
It will be business as usual for the Crusaders. Their winning mentality comes from the 'culture' they have grown at the club throughout the years. It is interesting to note that their second place finish last season was on the back of having played no home fixtures, including a trip to London on top of that. It was a really unsettling season for them, but they showed just how strong that 'culture' is amongst the squad.
Although Dan Carter will miss the first month it shouldn't be a problem for a franchise that has churned out most of the All Blacks number tens. The 'Canterbury ten factory' has an impressive list including Andrew Mehrtens, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett and Dan Carter to name a few. The guy to step into Carter's shoes should be Tyler Bleyendaal, NZ Under-20s World Championship-winning fly-half, who looks to have a very bright future ahead of him.
Prediction: Beaten finalists.
Tony Hanks' prediction: Finalists
Tony Hanks' player to watch: Tyler Bleyendaal - NZ Under-20s World Championship-winning captain has the potential to follow in the footsteps of those that have worn the crusaders No.10 jersey, he also gets to learn from the best at the same time.
