I’ve been meaning for a while to give a plug and praise my beloved Canterbury Crusaders in their taking out of the Super 14 title again. It was a monumental achievement, considering they were again going through a period of rebuilding, and have some very exciting talent in that squad.
Much praise, as has been the case, must go to Robbie Deans. I’ve been a fan of his ever since his playing days and those glory days of the Ranfurly Shield in the 1980s.
Relive the moments here.
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As pointed out, there is a culture in the Crusaders outfit that is bigger than the individuals, and it’s this as much as the talent they perpetually breed, that is fostering the success. I have no doubt that the replacement for Robbie will be in house and will have a great understanding of the culture of the outfit.
Well done Cantabs. However, as great as Richie McCaw is, as a captain, he’s no Todd Blackadder, but that’s a personal thing.
Also well done to the All Blacks. I thankfully was out of the country during the Rugby World Cup, and having to pay $20 to see a game in a pub in Vancouver was too much to handle. I actually watched NZ loose through the window of an Irish Pub in Boston, along with the 40 other people who didn’t want to pay (more outside than in – now there’s bad management). I was kinda relieved to be away from it all, because 10 minutes and 1 block away from the game, not a single solitary person around me knew or even cared about the result of a rugby match on the other side of the world.
So there was much pressure on the All Blacks and huge criticism of the reinstatement of the coaching staff, considering Robbie Deans was available. The All Blacks did a good job tonight, in the rain and the wind of Wellington.
It wasn’t vintage All Blacks and I am starting to wonder if we haven’t seen the best of Dan Carter (holly cow did he just question the golden one?). I don’t like the force back version of the game we play these days, unless it is done well and not countered. The break that Carter made with ball in hand to set up the second try (?) was excellent, why doesn’t he run with the ball more? Still for all my money, he’s no Andrew Mehrtens, but again that’s personal opinion.
Ireland were strong in defence and were very combative at times, turning us over in the rucks and malls. They’re pretty big all over the team, but in the end they had to play catch-up fottie and that’s always going to be hard against the All Blacks.
I didn’t like the selection of the front row, but they played well. I think Richie was outstanding, and Rodney was incredible in getting the ball and going forward. I just wish the All Blacks would use the ball in hand more. Perhaps if the weather is better we’ll see some of those silky moves.
