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Why Crusaders’ dynasty will ‘keep going’ without Scott Robertson
By Finn Morton
When the full-time siren sounds at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday evening, incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson will officially end his tenure with the champion Crusaders.
Having won six titles in as many years with the Crusaders, Robertson is looking to bow out of Super Rugby Pacific as a champion – and extend the team's unrivalled dynasty to seven incredible years.
The Crusaders' record under the man known as Razor is so impressive that former Wallaby Stephen Hoiles would be “shocked” if any team comes “close” to replicating the feat anytime soon.
“When you look back and see it there, you realise what they’ve done going through the Covid scenarios they had to deal with,” Hoiles said on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven.
“Quite simply, I’d be shocked if in 20 years’ time we see someone who’s going close to winning six.”
But if the history of Super Rugby has taught fans anything, it’s that the Crusaders are never really out of the fight.
After collecting the wooden spoon at the end of the first Super 12 campaign in 1996, the Crusaders improved to a mid-table finish the following year.
But then the Crusaders as we now know them began to hit their stride.
The Christchurch-based franchise won three titles in as many years, or five titles in eight years through until the start of Super 14.
Another two titles in three years followed, before a uncharacteristic title drought of almost 10 years. But that’s when the Crusaders dynasty was born.
Scott Robertson might be stepping away along with the likes of Richie Mo’unga and Sam Whitelock, but this is the Crusaders.
Winning is embedded into their culture.
Former Waratahs coach Rob Penney will take over from next season, and an ex-Wallaby doesn’t think that much will change.
Morgan Turinui expects the Crusaders’ dynasty to “keep going” as they usher in a new era under Penney.
“The Crusaders are going to keep going,” Turinui said.
“(Todd) Blackadder set it up well, Razor has taken it to another level, it’s set-up to continue.
“It’s not an end of an era yet because the players just keep coming through the Canterbury system.
“Wayne Smith, Robbie Deans, all the way through to Scott Robertson. What an amazing footballing environment that is.”
This year’s Super Rugby Pacific final between the Chiefs and Crusaders is set to get underway at 7.05 pm NZST on Saturday at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato.
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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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