Super Rugby Preview: Crusaders

The Crusaders head into Super Rugby 2017 without long serving coach, Todd Blackadder after 8 years. Blackadder lead the competitions most successful team into last year’s Super Rugby without All Black legends Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

The Crusaders finished the Round-Robin stages in an unfamiliar 4^th place in the New Zealand conference, but still progressed to the knock out stages.

New head coach, Scott Robertson, has the almost impossible job of replacing Todd Blackadder, but with the strong squad, that has become even more impressive with the addition of ex Reds winger Digby Ioane and Seta Tamanivalu the Crusaders will be a difficult team to beat in 2017.  The Crusaders kick off their campaign against The Brumbies on the 25^th of February.

Head Coach: Scott Robertson

Notable departures: Todd Blackadder (Coach Bath, England), Andy Ellis (Steel Kobelco Steelers, Japan), Robbie Fruean (Bath, England)

Notable additions: Digby Ioane (Honda Heat), Seta Tamanivalu (Chiefs)

Captain: Sam Whitelock

Forward to watch: Kieran Read

Back to watch: Israel Dagg

Rising Star: George Bridge