Blackadder takes control
October 31 2008
Todd Blackadder, the Crusaders' new coach, has insisted he will maintain the unique culture that has been developed over several years in Canterbury.
Having seen Robbie Deans, now Australia's coach, guide the side to Super 14 glory last season, Blackadder knows he must not change the culture.
"One of the must-dos I believe is that we keep that culture and all that really means is linking our rugby ethic into our values and that's really important," he told Sportal.
"But it's the players who really determine the culture and even though we lose players year after year there's still some key leadership within the squad."
One of the first tasks Blackadder dealt with was naming his squad and captain for the coming season, and it will come as little surprise that Richie McCaw will once again lead the Crusaders.
Both Blackadder and McCaw have a tough task ahead of them, with the Crusaders losing eight of their championship-winning side.
Dan Carter, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Campbell Johnstone, Scott Hamilton, Mose Tuiali'i, and Caleb Ralph have all headed offshore, whilst influential lock Ali Williams has returned to the Blues and another loss is hooker, Ti'i Paulo, who will miss the season after undergoing knee surgery.
Despite these losses Blackadder, and his coaching team, are confident there is enough depth in the squad to cope.
"We believe we have an exciting group," Blackadder said.
"We have a really good mix of players, eight All Blacks and five newcomers to Super 14, in the squad and a lot of these guys are coming off the back of a really good Super 14 season and an outstanding ANZ by Canterbury.
"Our planning has been meticulous and a lot of work has gone into looking at the individuals. We believe we have selected the right side and now it is nice to be able to put that behind us and get on with the coaching.
"One thing the Crusaders organisation has proven in the past is that they've lost key players every year but other individuals have stepped up to the plate and carried on the legacy and the tradition and the pride that goes with wearing the jersey."
Blackadder said that lock Isaac Ross, who was drafted to the Highlanders for the last Super 14, had earned a recall to the Crusaders by his impressive deeds for Canterbury.
"He came to us because he was not too sure where his future stood," Blackadder said.
"We said it was up to him and I thought that during the second half of the Air New Zealand Cup he was absolutely outstanding. I think he will only get better and if he keeps progressing he can become an All Black."
Tasman newcomer, flanker Jonathan Poff, also earned praise from Blackadder, who said he covered other positions as well as his usual openside role.
"Richie McCaw is the best number seven but if we lost Richie then George Whitelock can step into that role and we have the experience of Jonathan Poff. I can assure you he is one tough man who is uncompromising and always puts his body on the line," he added.