With three titles in three years, there is only one dominating force in New Zealand rugby – the Crusaders. Christchurch is an absolute fortress as the men in red and black have lost only one super rugby game in their own backyard in the past four years! The All Black team is littered with Crusaders players and in the rugby world cup semi-final, the starting team contained 9 players. Similar to Leinster and Saracens, the Crusaders club culture is rooted upon the striving for so-called international standards within the club game. Is it a surprise these three teams provide the bulk of their countries' test sides?
Style of play
The Crusaders play a very conservative way with a huge focus on execution and being clinical with every entrance into the 22. However, rather than pressure rugby like so many northern hemisphere teams, the Crusaders have a creative flair about their attacking game with a major focus on the kick pass.
The kick pass was born in Super Rugby and the Crusaders have the skill mastered, with execution from Richie Mo'unga always on the money. It rarely goes wrong.
Take this try against the Chiefs, where the Crusaders identify space on the wing where Sevu Reece is free, meaning Mackenzie has to come forward from full-back. He over reads it and the line break is made setting up a try.
The purpose is to play in the outer wing channels, therefore in simple terms the Crusaders want to get the ball to George Bridge and Sevu Reece in space as quickly as possible when they are in space.
Other kicking styles
The Crusaders, alongside kick passes to the wingers, use all types of kicks to push pressure on the opposition. In the first two rounds of the Super Rugby Aotearoa 4 out 7 of the Crusaders’ tries have come from kicks.
Take this try for example where Bryn Hall grubber kicks it through for a try. Clearly the half-backs are comfortable assisting tries from kicks.
Another try in the Hurricanes game came from a kick. This time the chase is the reason the try was scored due to the work rate on the kick chase – another aspect of the Crusaders game.
Although this didn't end in a try, Richie Mo'unga chip over the top here causes problems and keeps the defence guessing. Once again, another style of kick which Crusaders like to use.
Similarities to Northern Hemisphere
Being able to score tries off multiple different types of kicks means you constantly keep defences guessing as to how you will shape up to attack. Success in attack will always be the result if the attacking team remains unpredictable.
Crusaders and New Zealand rugby is where a lot of new styles originate from. However, it is no surprise that the top European sides are trying to replicate the style of their Southern Hemisphere counterparts.
Take this try from the Premiership final for example. Owen Farrell identifies a miss-match in the air between Liam Williams and Joe Simmons and perfectly executes the kick. Obviously it helps having one of the world’s best players under the high ball on your side.
Leinster in Europe this year against Lyon also executed a kick pass – showing awareness, skill, and execution. Simply, everything the Crusaders strive for.
The Future
In my opinion, the Crusaders are the flag bearers for how the modern-day game should be played. They play a creative style of rugby and the beauty of it is that they can score all different types of tries. Their execution and the attention to detail is second to none and it fascinating to see if their style of play continues to develop and shape modern-day international rugby. I have only touched on their kicking game, which is only one layer of the diverse attacking platform they play off. I haven’t even mentioned their world-class defence.
My argument has never been that the Crusaders can beat anyone. I believe that similar to the classic boxing saying styles make fights, a Saracens, Leinster, or even a Top 14 giant would ask them new questions. A match up between them and Crusaders to find out if they are the best club side in the world is something that needs to happen. Consequently, cue the screams of those advocating a world club championship. However, the current question will never be answered until world rugby makes such a call. In the meantime, we can continue to wait and enjoy the Crusaders master the art of modern-day attacking rugby.
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