Super Rugby: Even Without AMI Stadium, the Crusaders Can Go All the Way

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at Internationaled.org

Published: February 15, 2012

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2011 was a tragic year for the Canterbury region of New Zealand. It was hit by an earthquake in February as well as a number of aftershocks. These hardships made the Crusaders' trip to the Super Rugby final last year all the more amazing.

AMI Stadium still hasn't been repaired so the Crusaders will be playing their home games at the much smaller Rugby League Park. But that shouldn't be a problem.

The Crusaders boast a team with so much talent that they were only allowed to select 30 players due to the salary cap. That 30 includes 13 players who have donned the black jersey. Only the Blues have more, with 14.

But two of those 13 are Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.

Todd Blackadder is privileged to have arguably two of the greatest All Blacks of all time leading his team. Not only that but they were good enough to win a number of games without them and away from their home stadium, which speaks volumes about the character of this team.

The front row features three All Blacks props, including the World Cup-winning Franks brothers and last year's Steinlager Super Rugby player of the year, Wyatt Crockett. Crockett was unlucky to miss out on the World Cup squad because of Graham Henry's gamble with Tony Woodcock. But with Woodcock becoming injury prone, Crockett could become the next great All Black loosehead.

Owen Franks has been improving every year and was not only a great scrummager but was one of the best defensive players for the All Blacks during the World Cup. Ben Franks is valuable due to his versatility, as he is able to line up at both sides of the scrum.

Rounding out the front row is All Black Corey Flynn. Due to his penchant for getting injured, Tasman hooker Quentin McDonald or rookie Ben Funnell are likely to get some game time this season.



Replacing the legendary Brad Thorn is Otago import and former All Black Tom Donnelly. He will be joining Sam Whitelock to fo...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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