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Crusaders
Founded	1996
Union	New Zealand Rugby Football Union</small>
Location	Christchurch, New Zealand
Region	Canterbury </br>Tasman </br>West Coast </br>Marlborough & Nelson
Ground	Jade Stadium
Capacity	36,500<ref name=jadecapacity>Development Timetable. jadestadium.co.nz. Retrieved on 22 September, 2006.</ref>
Coach	Robbie Deans
Captain	Richie McCaw<ref>Corey Flynn will captain the Crusaders for the first seven rounds of the 2007 Super 14.</ref>
League	Super 14
2006	1st
Home colours		Away colours
Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg

This article is about the rugby team. For other uses, see Crusade (disambiguation).

The Crusaders (formerly the Canterbury Crusaders) are a New Zealand Rugby Union team based in Christchurch, New Zealand that competes in the Super 14 (formerly the Super 12). They are the current Super 14 champions and the most successful team in Super Rugby history. The franchise represents the Buller, Canterbury, Mid-Canterbury, South Canterbury, Tasman, and West Coast provincial rugby unions. Their main home ground is Jade Stadium.

Formed in 1996 to represent the upper South Island of New Zealand in the Super 12, the team struggled in its first year, finishing last. Their performance improved in 1997 and the team finished sixth (out of twelve teams). Between 1998 and 2000 the team won all three titles, with each final won away from home. Between 2001 and 2005 they finished runners-up twice, and won the competition twice, including in their 2002 unbeaten season. In 2006 the Crusaders hosted the Hurricanes in the inaugural Super 14 final, winning 19–12.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Beginnings: 1996 and 1997 1.2 Hat trick: 1998 to 2000 1.3 Development of a legacy: 2001 to 2005 1.4 New era: 2006 2 Name and colours 3 Franchise area 4 Grounds 5 Super records and achievements 5.1 Super 12 placings 5.2 Super 14 placings 5.3 Competition records 6 Players and coaches of note 6.1 2007 squad 6.2 Notable players 6.3 Coaches 7 Notes and references 8 Bibliography 9 External links

[edit] History

[edit] Beginnings: 1996 and 1997

The Crusaders franchise was created as one of the five New Zealand teams in the Super 12. Originally named the Canterbury Crusaders, the Crusaders' franchise area encompassed the upper South Island of New Zealand (see Super 14 franchise areas), formed from the Buller, Canterbury, Marlborough, Mid-Canterbury, Nelson Bays, South Canterbury, and West Coast rugby unions.<ref>The Marlborough and Nelson Bays unions have since amalgamated to form the Tasman Rugby Union.</ref> The original Crusaders team of 1996 was captained by All Blacks prop Richard Loe and coached by Vance Stewart. The Crusaders struggled in the inaugural season, finishing bottom of the table with only two wins. Their eight losses included a 49-18 loss to the Blues and a 52-16 loss to the Queensland Reds.

The following season saw a change in captain and coach. Todd Blackadder succeeded Loe as captain, with Wayne Smith taking over the reins as coach. Under Blackadder's leadership the team finished sixth, with five wins. The improvement is illustrated by the Crusaders' 28-29 loss to the defending champions the Blues, contrasting their 49-18 loss the previous season (the Blues went on to win the 1997 title).

[edit] Hat trick: 1998 to 2000

In 1998 the Crusaders won their first title. They won the right to host a semi-final by finishing second in the round-robin. They won their semi-final 36-32 against the Coastal Sharks (now the Sharks) at Lancaster Park (now named Jade Stadium). They faced the Blues in the final at Eden Park. The Blues were heavy favourites, however the Crusaders' stole a victory when two minutes from time when Andrew Mehrtens chipped the ball for James Kerr to run onto and score. The converted try gave the Crusaders a 20-13 win. The ten points scored by Andrew Mehrtens in the final contributed to his total of 206 points for the season, a record for the Super 12.

	We're a regional selection... and it's important to remember that, besides Canterbury, we also represent Nelson Bays, Marlborough, Buller, West Coast, Mid-Canterbury and South Canterbury
— Todd Blackadder

The following season was an equal success for the Crusaders. They struggled to make the play-offs, winning their last four round robin-matches to finish fourth. They defeated the favoured Queensland Reds (who had finished top in the round-robin) in their semi-final to book a final match against the Otago Highlanders (since renamed the Highlanders). The all South Island final in Dunedin was billed "the party at Tony Browns house" after Highlanders fly-half Tony Brown.<ref>Gifford (2004), pg 174</ref> The Crusaders again proved victorious away from home winning 24-19. The decisive try of the match was scored by Crusaders' winger Afato So'oalo when he chipped the ball, out sprinted All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson and collected his own kick to score.

The All Blacks semi-final exit from the Rugby World Cup in 1999 saw All Blacks coach John Hart dumped, replaced by Wayne Smith. Robbie Deans replaced Smith as coach of the Crusaders. Deans' first year in charge saw the Crusaders win their third title in a row, a feat that has not been repeated. The Crusaders finished second in the round-robin, behind the ACT Brumbies. The Crusaders played the Highlanders at Jade Stadium in the semi-final. They were victorious 37-15. The final was played in Canberra, Australia against the Brumbies. The weather for the final was icy, the Crusaders points were scored through Andrew Mehrtens with five penalties, and Ron Cribb with a try. This enabled the Crusaders to edge out the Brumbies 20–19, despite the Brumbies winning the rucks and mauls 165-34.

[edit] Development of a legacy: 2001 to 2005

After the achievement of three consecutive Super 12 titles, all won away from home, the Crusaders crashed to tenth in 2001, their worst finish since 1996. The season was the last for captain Todd Blackadder, who left to play in Scotland.<ref>Before leaving for Scotland, Blackadder led the Canterbury NPC team to victory in 2002 National Provincial Championship.</ref>

In 2002, the Crusaders had an unbeaten season, winning all 11 of their round-robin games (this also included a 96-19 thrashing of the then second placed Waratahs in the final round robin match), and then their semi-final and the final. This was their first season under the captaincy of Reuben Thorne, who also captained the All Blacks throughout 2002 and 2003.

In the 2003 and 2004 seasons the Crusders stumbled at the final hurdle, losing in the competition final both years. Each final was a repeat of a prior one, in 2003 the Crusaders faced the Blues at Eden Park and in 2004 they faced the Brumbies in Canberra. Both games resulted in losses, the only blemishes on the Crusaders' play-offs record.

Richie McCaw assumed the captaincy in 2005, leading his team to its fifth Super 12 championship that year. After the 2005 season the side saw the departure of Andrew Mehrtens and Justin Marshall, both of whom had played for the team since its inception in 1996.

[edit] New era: 2006

Main article: 2006 Super 14 season

Main article: 2006 Super 14 Final

In 2006, the Super 12 expanded to form the Super 14. The Western Force from Perth, Australia, and the Central Cheetahs from the Free State and Northern Cape Provinces, South Africa joined the competition. The Crusaders finished the round robin top of the table, they then succeeded in taking back-to-back titles, defeating the Hurricanes 19–12 in the final at a fog-shrouded Jade Stadium.

The 2007 Super 14 season will see seven of the Crusaders players miss the competition's first seven rounds as part of an All Black "conditioning programme".<ref name="2007Conditioning">All Blacks pulled out of the Super 14. planet-rugby.com (20 August 2006). Retrieved on 24 September, 2006.</ref> The conditioning programme is part of the All Black's 2007 Rugby World Cup preparations, 22 players have been selected for the programme. The Crusaders will have seven players in the programme; Chris Jack, Richie McCaw, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Dan Carter, Leon MacDonald, and Aaron Mauger<ref name="2007Conditioning"/>. This is more players then any other New Zealand Super 14 franchise.<ref name="ConditioningSquad">Henry reveals his 'World Cup team'. planet-rugby.com (11 September 2006). Retrieved on 24 September, 2006.</ref><ref name="ConditioningSquad2">Leggat, David (22 September 2006). Getting the balance in Super 14. nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved on 24 September, 2006.</ref>

[edit] Name and colours

The Crusaders' name was chosen to reflect the crusading nature of Canterbury rugby. A potential name was also the Plainsmen,<ref name=crusadersname>Crusaders History. crfu.co.nz. Retrieved on 8 May, 2006.</ref> however this wasn't chosen as Crusaders recalls the English heritage of the city of Christchurch, which was established by English emigrants in the 19th century and is often described as the most English city outside of England.<ref name=EnglishCity1>New Zealand: Christchurch - the garden city. goway.com. Retrieved on 22 September, 2006.</ref><ref name=EnglishCity2>Canterbury - New Zealand. christchurchcvb.com. Retrieved on 22 September, 2006.</ref> The franchise adopted Canterbury's traditional sporting colours of red and black, as worn by the Canterbury provincial rugby team.

[edit] Franchise area

The Crusaders' franchise area consists of the regions controlled by the Buller, Canterbury, Mid-Canterbury, South Canterbury, Tasman and West Coast rugby unions. Like all New Zealand Super 14 sides the Crusaders get to protect 24 players from within their franchise area each season. They then have to go to the draft (which consists of New Zealand based players who are not protected by one of the five Super 14 franchises) to fill their squad. Prior to 2006, when the domestic National Provincial Championship was reorganised, the only rugby union within the Crusaders' franchise area that was in division one (now called premier division) domestic rugby was Canterbury. Hence, the majority players who have played for the Crusaders have also played for Canterbury.

[edit] Grounds

The Crusader's main home ground is the 36,000-capacity Jade Stadium in Christchurch. Jade Stadium is planned to be redeveloped to bring its capacity to 43,000 in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.<ref name=JadeRedevelopment>Jade Stadium Christchurch - the full circle. jadestadium.co.nz. Retrieved on 12 October, 2006.</ref> When playing a home game, as part of pre-match buildup Conquest of Paradise plays whilst several horsemen dressed as knights circle the field.<ref name="crusadersname"/> Each year the Crusaders usually take a game to another part of the franchise area, usually when the New Zealand cricket team is playing at Jade Stadium.<ref name=TimaruGame>Timaru’s day in the rugby sun. crfu.co.nz. Retrieved on 11 October, 2006.</ref> They have played games at Trafalgar Park in Nelson and Alpine Energy Stadium in Timaru.<ref name="TimaruGame"/>

In early 2006, there were rumours that the Crusaders may play a game each year in Melbourne, Australia after a large crowd had turned up to watch the Crusaders play the Western Force in a 2006 pre-season game.<ref name=MelbourneHost>Mauger slams Melbourne move. keo.co.za. Retrieved on 15 September, 2006.</ref> Although five of the franchise's seven provincial unions<ref>The Marlborough and Nelson Bays rugby unions had not yet merged</ref> supported having a regular season game in Melbourne when Jade Stadium was unavaliable, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) vetoed the proposal.<ref name="NoMelbourne">Melbourne switch off for double-booked Crusaders. abc.net.au. Retrieved on 26 October, 2006.</ref>

[edit] Super records and achievements

[edit] Super 12 placings

Super 12 Results<ref name="lassen">Super 14 Tables. Lassen Creative Technologies Ltd. Retrieved on 8 May, 2006.</ref>
Year	Played	Win	Draw	Loss	PF	PA	Diff	BP	Points	Place	Playoffs
1996	11	2	1	8	234	378	-144	3	13	12th
1997	11	5	1	5	272	235	37	4	26	6th
1998	11	8	0	3	340	260	80	9	41	1st	(defeated Auckland Blues in final)
1999	11	7	1	3	324	262	62	3	33	1st	(defeated Otago Highlanders in final)
2000	11	8	0	3	369	293	76	7	39	1st	(defeated ACT Brumbies in final)
2001	11	4	0	7	307	331	-24	7	23	10th
2002	11	11	0	0	469	264	205	7	51	1st	(defeated ACT Brumbies in final)
2003	11	8	0	3	358	263	95	8	40	2nd	(lost final to Blues)
2004	11	7	0	4	345	303	42	6	34	2nd	(lost final to ACT Brumbies)
2005	11	9	0	2	459	281	178	8	44	1st	(defeated Waratahs in final)

[edit] Super 14 placings

Super 14 Results
Year	Played	Win	Draw	Loss	PF	PA	Diff	BP	Points	Place	Playoffs
2006	13	11	1	1	412	210	202	5	51	1st	(defeated Hurricanes in final)

[edit] Competition records

The Crusaders team and members of its squad hold various competition records in both the Super 12 and Super 14. The Crusaders hold the record for most points in a game with their 96-19 victory over the Waratah's in the 12th round of the 2002 season. This game also holds the record for the largest winning margin, the most tries scored (14) and the most conversions in a match (13).<ref> Howitt (2005), pg 113</ref> The team also has the record for most points scored in a season, with 469 scored in 2002.<ref name="lassen"/>

Several individuals have achieved competition records whilst playing for the team, most notable are records for individual points scored in a season; Andrew Mehrtens holding the Super 12 record of 206 points, achieved in 1998<ref name=HowittOne>Howitt (2005), pg 165</ref>; Daniel Carter holds the Super 14 record with 221 points.<ref name="CarterS14Record">Dan Carter. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 22 September, 2006.</ref> Andrew Mehrtens also holds the record for Super points overall with 990 accumulated during his Crusaders career.<ref>Howitt (2005), pg 166</ref> Rico Gear holds the joint record for tries in a Super 12 or Super 14 season with 15 tries in 2005.<ref name="HowittOne"/>

[edit] Players and coaches of note

[edit] 2007 squad

The squad for the 2007 season includes:<ref name="2007Squad">Super 14 teams announced. nzherald.co.nz (27 October 2006). Retrieved on 27 October, 2006.</ref>

Props Wyatt Crockett Ben Franks Campbell Johnstone Ben May Greg Somerville Hookers Corey Flynn (Co-captain) <ref name="FlynnCaptain">Corey Flynn To Lead The Crusaders - Calls on Public to Stand with the Team. crfu.co.nz (26 October 2006). Retrieved on 27 October, 2006.</ref> Ti’i Paulo Locks Ross Filipo Chris Jack Kevin O'Neill Isaac Ross

Loose Forwards Johnny Leo’o Richie McCaw (Captain) Peter Nixon Jake Paringatai Michael Paterson Jonathon Poff Kieran Read Reuben Thorne Mose Tuiali'i Half Backs Andrew Ellis Kevin Senio Fly Halfs Steven Brett Daniel Carter Tusi Pisi

Centres Tim Bateman Casey Laulala Aaron Mauger Caleb Ralph Rua Tipoki Wingers Rico Gear Scott Hamilton Brent Ward Full Backs Leon MacDonald Paul Williams

[edit] Notable players

Four Crusaders have played more than 100 games for the Crusaders, Justin Marshall, Reuben Thorne, Caleb Ralph, and Greg Sommerville. Half-back Justin Marshall was the first player to achieve the feat, having played for the Crusaders between 1996 and 2005.<ref name=MarshallAB>Justin Marshall. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 12 October, 2006.</ref> Both Thorne and Ralph achieved the 100 game mark at the same time, however Ralph had played nine of his matches for other franchises (three for the Chiefs and six for the Blues).<ref name=ThorneRalph100>Super 14 centuries marked. crfu.co.nz. Retrieved on 12 October, 2006.</ref> Ralph managed the 100 Crusaders' games feat later that season, remarkably they were played consecutively.<ref name=100Consecutive>Ralph's consecutive century of Crusades. crfu.co.nz. Retrieved on 12 October, 2006.</ref> Greg Somerville became the latest player to contribute 100 games for the franchise, achieved in the 2006 semi-final against the Bulls.<ref name=CrusadersFull>Crusaders at full tilt. sarugby.com. Retrieved on 12 October, 2006.</ref>

[edit] Coaches

The Crusaders were coached in their first season by Vance Stewart.<ref>Howitt (2005), pg 36</ref> He was replaced by Wayne Smith in 1997. Smith continued as coach until he was appointed All Blacks coach after the 1999 season. Robbie Deans took over the reins for the 2000 season and has been in charge ever since, and with four titles is the most successful coach in the Super 14.

[edit] Notes and references

[edit] Bibliography

• Howitt, Bob (2005); SANZAR Saga - Ten Years of Super 12 and Tri-Nations Rugby, Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 1-86950-566-2
• Gifford, Phil (2004); The Passion - The Stories Behind 125 years of Canterbury Rugby, Wilson Scott Publishing. ISBN 0-9582535-1-X

[edit] External links

• Official site
• Data and statistics itsrugby.com

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