Crusaders are determined to win their sixth championship

 

The Crusaders are determined to win their sixth championship in years in the first Super Rugby Pacific next year to continue their extraordinary performance.

Scott Robertson's had a remarkable period of success, and they had won three consecutive Super Rugby games before Covid paid the price for the 2020 game.

Due to travel restrictions making it difficult to move liberally between nations, Super Rugby Aotearoa was established, and the Christchurch team once again dominated and won silverware in 20 and 2021.

They'll be the favorite team again to win the championship in 2022, and Robertson is as excited as ever for the season ahead.

"I think this is what we are most proud of. You can win two or three games, but you can win five games in a row, and then you have a chance to win six games in a row. This will motivate you because you know you may only get one chance.

That's it, this is the moment," the head coach told Stuff.

"This is what I am proud of. I can motivate players every year to find different reasons and go deeper than before. We are inspired to make a new history, with a completely different mentality and a different way of motivating people.

However, it may not be easy for the Crusaders; Robertson was forced to update the team after some players left.

While the team still has a strong backbone, players like Andrew Macalio, Michael Araratoya, Manassa Matale, Luke Romano, Josh McKay, and Veto Douglas had to be replaced.

Robertson said, "this is a challenge, the depth has been tested". "In addition, a lot of people go to Major League rugby, some to the Western Force, and some to Japan. Compared with last year, we may be about 80 floors deep."

Adding a big name in the form of Argentine star Pablo Matera, his versatility will undoubtedly strengthen the back row.

"He can play three games at the same time... He will add a bit of vitality to our team, a bit of Latin flavor. I think the Orangetheory crowd will become narrower, and there will be some carols," Robertson added.

“Do you remember the Jaguares finals [2019] when they all showed up? I don't know where they came from, but the whole [South] booth turned around. "