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Crusaders coach Scott Robertson gives advice to South African teams on how to win Super Rugby
By Online Editors
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has a message for South African sides wanting to win Super Rugby - score more tries.
Following his side's 19-all draw against the Stormers, the coach who has won the title twice in his first two years at the helm of the Canterbury franchise was asked how the South Africans can ultimately compete for the title.
"They are going to have to score more tries. There is no doubt about that. You have to defend well but you have to be able to score tries. That's part of the game that they are growing, I know, but they certainly take kicks at goal and that keeps them in games, just like the Sharks.
The Crusaders have drawn twice in three weeks against South African teams, while the Sharks were in a commanding position to win without scoring a try and ultimately settled for a draw. Opting to kick goals and take three's instead of kicking to the corner were a large part of the tactics employed in both of the games, while the Bulls have been doing it all season with Handre Pollard the clear frontrunner by some distance as the top points scorer.
Robertson's advice is a high-powered attack scoring tries will win the ultimate title even though kicking goals will keep you in games when you can bring the right intensity, which is something South African sides have only managed to do at home.
"The big challenge for South African teams is to win on the road. The Bulls have done that for the first time in a long time.
"When you look at the stats, the Stormers have won two of the last 15. They are tough to beat at home but they’ve got to learn to win on the road. Once they do that, they will give themselves an opportunity to push for finals and semi-finals, really contest in Super Rugby.
"If they play on the road with the same intensity they will be extremely tough to beat.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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