Crusaders get message ahead of Chiefs
More discipline, tidier lineout, better execution required
Hit hard by penalties converted into vital points contributing to the Hurricanes' win at the weekend the Crusaders had been concentrating on the list of corrections ahead of their Super Rugby Aotearoa game with the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.
Assistant coach Andrew Goodman said four of the penalties converted by Hurricanes fullback Jordie Barrett had been for off-side and that was something the Crusaders could control.
However, skill execution had not been as successful as it needed to be. Goodman added that the Hurricanes, by comparison, had managed crisp passing which was all out in front of intended runners whereas the Crusaders had not been so accurate.
In a tight game, those sorts of things made a difference.
"Skill execution, discipline and physicality in the collisions were others," he said.
Also discussed was their lineout which was put under pressure by the Hurricanes.
It was an area the Crusaders needed to improve. The forwards had had some good conversations around that, and he was expecting a much-improved effort in Hamilton.
The lineout base had been important to the Crusaders' ability to put opponents under pressure throughout their period of domination in Super Rugby and getting that back to its best would ensure n improved performance against the Chiefs, he said.
Being on top of the table, in such a close competition, meant the Crusaders had a target on their back but, with less than four points separating teams in the last four games it was assured of being another tight game.
The Crusaders acknowledged recent history showed they could not afford to take their eye off the ball when playing the Chiefs. Results had been close and in games played this year they were 1-1.
"We're going up to face a really-tough Chiefs side. They'll be desperate to get that win. They've been so close. They're playing some good footy. They just haven't been able to get over the line but, we know these boys well, and they know us well, and it's going to be a hell of a battle up there," he said.
Being on top of the table, in such a close competition, meant the Crusaders had a target on their back but, with less than four points separating teams in the last four games it was assured of being another tight game.
Goodman said centre Braydon Ennor had returned to team activities and how he performed during the week would decide whether he would return to play at the weekend.
Number eight Whetukamokamo Douglas was recovering from a knee ligament strain and was returning to training. His availability would also depend on how he performed during the week.
New players introduced to the squad as injury cover for the season-ending injuries suffered by Ethan Blackadder (knee) and David Havili (thumb) are flanker Jacob Norris and wing Tima Fainga'anuku.