- ANALYSIS
- Sport
- Rugby Union
- Crusaders
This was published 7 years ago
Old Crusaders mates Scott Robertson and Leon MacDonald will have Daryl Gibson on edge
By Paul Cully
Critics such as myself are munching through Crusaders humble pie from a particularly large plate.
The fabled franchise were in line for a a fallow period, I surmised in the pre-season, on account of the youth of their new coach, Scott Robertson, and the advancing years of their prime recruit, Digby Ioane.
Apologies are in line for both men.
Of course, my premise could yet hold true. When the Crusaders suffer a few setbacks the freshman Robertson will really be tested.
High work rate: Digby Ioane of the Crusaders.Credit: Getty Images
In theory I could sit back and wait for that to happen and then smugly announce that I was right all along.
But it would be the worst kind of wisdom – retrospective.
What has really happened during the early part of his tenure is something uniquely Crusaders-like.
Lost causes have been chased down. Relative no-names have stepped up. Previously unheralded youngsters have been given their chance and responded.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson will recognise all these themes from his association with the Crusaders and they will make him feel uncomfortable before Sunday's vital game in Sydney. Something is happening in Christchurch.
Let's pick out four Crusaders to get an understanding of what the Crusaders will bring.
Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Sam Whitelock and Leon MacDonald are the identities to focus on.
Older readers will immediately spot the odd one out here. MacDonald's playing days are over but as Crusaders assistant coach his influence is still being felt.
The word out of Christchurch is that it was MacDonald's patronage that helped Hunt secure the No.10 jersey when first choice Richie Mo'unga went down with injury.
The safer choice would have been the more experienced Marty McKenzie but Hunt got the assignment and has rewarded the coaches with performances that have been full of character.
For a little No.10 he is not afraid to take on the line and his game is built around the timeless skills – organisation, crisp passing and and strong goalkicking.
Anxieties will be held for debutant Waratahs No.10 Mack Mason but he has an inspiration in Hunt. Their games are not dissimilar.
How Hunt has been helped by Drummond. In short the halfback has been New Zealand's most improved player this year, either as a starter or coming off the bench to finish off the job started by Bryn Hall.
Drummond's pedigree has been apparent to the wise men of New Zealand rugby for a few years – he was selected at No.9 for a very strong New Zealand Barbarians side to face the Maori in 2015 – but the rest of us have needed a longer time to appreciate his appeal.
Now it is becoming apparent. Against the Force last week his distribution was smooth and more importantly he ran the football.
He can in part thank Ioane for that. The former Red is not captured by Giteau's Law but alongside Henry Speight is among the best two Australian wingers playing in Super Rugby.
His work rate is exceptional. Against the Force it was Ioane's ability to move across from the right wing and offer Drummond a running option close to the ruck that allowed Drummond the space to go himself and eventually feed Ioane for the try. And Ioane would have had another but for a tremendous tackle by Isi Naisarani.
Whitelock has been a surprise at captain. He has revealed an adventurous streak to seek five-pointers when a gift three points have been on offer.
We already know about his qualities as a player but it is his reading of the game, and knowing when to twist the knife, that has been noteworthy.
All of this points to a huge challenge for the Waratahs.
Gibson's instincts will be to gloss over the much improved second-half against the Rebels and instead fret over the rank inadequacy of the first period, and he will be correct.
He will know that this Crusaders side has less star power than the most recent versions that have made the trip to Sydney and they are in fact more dangerous for it.
They are resilient, fit and united.
The Waratahs' strong home record against the Kiwis is under threat.