Rugby: Blackadder's praise for Reds

Todd Blackadder has made no changes to his Crusaders starting XV after last weekend's win. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder was not playing the underdog card when he lavished praise on his team's opponent, the Queensland Reds, in the second round of the Super 14 rugby competition in Brisbane on Friday night.

The Crusaders travelled to Ballymore for a pre-season fixture last month and they returned home beaten by eight points, a result which Blackadder believed was a fair reflection of the game.

"They're a big, tough, physical side," Blackadder said after the Crusaders final practice in Christchurch today. "They gave us a curry up to be honest in the pre-season game and taught us a real lesson with their aggressive forward play.

"They drive a lot and they took it to us and smashed into the rucks. They've got good line speed to put you under pressure. They are raw, hungry and dangerous and if we're not on our game we'll get tipped over."

Blackadder has resisted making any changes to the starting line-up which got the Crusaders away to a successful start with their 32-17 win against the Highlanders in Christchurch last Saturday. The only change is in the reserves where All Blacks loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett has recovered from an ankle injury and has replaced Peter Borlase.

Blackadder said Crockett would be eased back into the team and All Blacks lock Brad Thorn would also come off the bench for a second straight week. Isaac Ross, who calls the lineouts, and rookie Sam Whitelock, one of three Whitelock brothers in the 22-man team, performed impressively against well-performed Highlanders locks, All Black Tom Donnelly and Josh Bekhuis.

Blackadder said that while he was pleased with the Crusaders winning performance, there were areas which needed improvement.

"I thought we got caught out defensively on the inside pass a few times and we have to show a little more patience when attacking and make sure we're solid at the breakdown where we were a little vulnerable at times."

What also pleased Blackadder, however, was the policing of the new law relating to the breakdown and scrum.

"People loved the spectacle and our players really enjoyed it and I think it will get better and better throughout the competition. It rewards teams that are positive and who are prepared to attack.

"If you play within the laws you get the rewards. It's brought more structure - nobody is talking about the scrums after week one; last year they were still talking about them after week 13."

Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis will make his 50th appearance for the Crusaders against the same opposition he debuted again in 2006.

"It (milestone) has slipped around actually but it's awesome," Ellis said. "I grew up in Canterbury loving the Crusaders and to play for them is amazing. Now to play 50 games is one of those things where the dream just gets better."

The Reds have history against them, however. Their last success was Christchurch in 1999; the Crusaders have won the last 10 clashes including a 47-21 victory when Ellis made his debut in Brisbane four years ago.

- NZPA