Crusaders machine gets a refit

By WYNNE GRAY

It was standard Super 12 practice, the semantic version of the on-field tactic about getting your retaliation in first.

Players had not had enough rest, preparation had been compromised so teams could get through the competition. It was a favourite tactic; often a genuine call but also a way to deflect criticism if sides did not fire.

It was a policy which had the Crusaders written all over it.

This season there is bound to be a new twist on the practice but sharp or not, the Crusaders are rested and chockful of last year's All Blacks.

A dozen who played tests last year stayed behind from the end-of-year tour either for surgery, rest or rebuilding. That has to make the Crusaders even more formidable in a World Cup year when the demands and rewards are even greater.

They have lost two quality backs - Daryl Gibson and Ben Blair - but have gained lock/loose forward Brad Thorn after his unusual year in sporting isolation and loosehead prop Greg Feek to bolster the pack.

The Crusaders have the depth in reserves to cope with injuries or form dips during the year, they should all be superbly conditioned and bring the values of campaign experience and combinations honed over a number of seasons.

In recent seasons they have been a little slow starting the series and they can be rattled when vigorous defence restricts their methodical plays.

They need to get into stride quicker this time as they finish the series with away games in South Africa and against the Brumbies in Canberra.

The Crusaders are a side with the strongest patterns and occasionally that can hinder their options in a series where every side uses them as the yardstick.

But tacticians such as Andrew Mehrtens or Justin Marshall often swing results for them, and there is individual class throughout the squad.

Key inspection will be on fullback Leon MacDonald, who has recovered after his Tri-Nations concussions and is in sole charge of the position with Blair sidelined. Midfielder Aaron Mauger will also want to fire after a quiet 2002.

There will also be curiosity about the use and performance of Thorn, who was a shock pick for the All Blacks' 2001 tour to Europe before he withdrew. Coaches John Mitchell and Robbie Deans liked his potential as a lock/loose forward then and his role this season will be a fascinating part of gauging the Crusaders.

INSIDE TRACK

STRENGTHS: History, experience, confidence - the Crusaders have it all as they seek to defend the title they won in an unprecedented run last year. Senior All Blacks abound in a rested and ready squad.

The challenge has been set for them after Canterbury faltered towards the tail of the NPC. This is the year and the (World Cup) time to set the record straight, to reposition the pretenders.

WEAKNESSES: A midfield which can be erratic, and injury to MacDonald would bring fullback concerns. There is also the potential for further friction between Andrew Mehrtens and Deans, which could spill over if there are a couple of ragged results. A surfeit of choices in the pack could create tension as players jockey for cup selection.