News

Crusaders' supporters want McKenzie

May 27 2008

Outgoing Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie has received the backing of the influential Crusaders supporters' club to take over at the helm of the New Zealand franchise after the two teams meet in the Super 14 Final on Saturday.

With current Crusaders coach Robbie Deans set to take up his post as Wallaby Head Coach next week and McKenzie without a contract past this year's Super 14 tournament, Saturday's final at AMI Stadium in Christchurch will be the last game for both coaches at their respective franchises.

Canterbury Rugby Football Union is expected to have advertised for Deans' replacement by next Monday and a win for the Waratahs in the showdown with their Kiwi rivals would be the perfect way for McKenzie to prove he is worthy of the position - should he wish to apply.

McKenzie has already received the backing of the 700-strong Canterbury supporters' club. The club has no formal say in the appointment but its collective voice is extremely influential amongst the Crusaders management.

"Someone like [McKenzie] would get full backing ... no hesitation," said club president Dick Tayler, himself a sporting icon, whose word has carried weight locally since he won gold in the 10,000 metres at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch told Rugby Heaven.

"He has developed a team with flair. That is what Robbie Deans is about.

"Look what he has done with the Waratahs. They have gone from strength to strength.

"We have a lot of good assistant coaches. But my feeling is that we haven't got enough experienced coaches to lead the Crusaders."