Crusaders 2018
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Kieran Read is back training with the Crusaders. The All Blacks captain and No 8 won't be available for Super Rugby prior to the test window in June, and isn't expected to play France when they tour New Zealand, but the sight of him in his footy gear was at least something to warm the soul as the Crusaders had a light run on a gloomy day in Christchurch on Monday. Since undergoing surgery on his spine to alleviate pain in his leg in mid-December, Read had previously worked behind closed doors to concentrate on his recovery. "I think it was a nice surprise for everybody," Crusaders assistant backs coach Ronan O'Gara said in reference to the return of Read, who had initially hoped to be back playing by mid-April. Today was a walk-through, clarity (session). I think there is a plan with Razor (coach Scott Robertson) and the medical team about how much he can partake, but it's just great to have him back at the club.""I think it is a very slow-burner at this stage," O'Gara confirmed. "There is a plan in place, and with long-term injuries the plan obviously has to be pretty flexible. I think it (the sight of Read) did give all the boys a bit of a lift, and he had one or two points (to make) which is always valuable information. "I don't know if he touched a ball, it was walking speed today."The Crusaders, who will play the Blues in Auckland on Saturday night, also had a couple of other injured All Blacks on deck. Lock Luke Romano, who suffered a high ankle sprain in late April, took part in a light game of touch and fullback/wing Israel Dagg, who hurt his right knee against the Brumbies on April 28, has made a swift recovery. O'Gara said Romano would need to be given more time to get fit, and it was too early to say whether Dagg could be considered to play the Blues. Loosehead prop Tim Perry, who damaged a hamstring against the Brumbies, should be available for selectionThe Crusaders can also consider tighthead prop Owen Franks and midfielder Ryan Crotty to play the Blues - both were rested from the Waratahs game - while wing Manasa Mataele will have to pass an HIA test on Thursday. -
@stargazer That's an unflattering photo of Read.
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Former Wallabies hooker Jeremy Paul knows who he'd hire to be the next Australian national team's coach – and it isn't Eddie Jones.
Speaking to Radio Sport, Paul suggested Australian Rugby look across the ditch for Michael Cheika's successor – naming current Crusaders leader Scott Robertson as his top choice.
"If I was Australian Rugby, I'd be chasing that guy," Paul said. "I'd be hounding that guy. I know we want to be able to produce our own coaches but I believe Scott Robertson is the best coach in Super Rugby...he's an incredible coach."
Chieka was set to step away from the role if the Wallabies don't win the 2019 World Cup. Jones, currently coaching England, was reported to be a candidate to replace him, however Paul would rather see Robertson at the helm.
In his first year at the helm of the Christchurch-based Super Rugby club, Robertson lead the side to the title. Now, over the halfway mark in his second season, the Crusaders sit at the top of the New Zealand conference.
Jeremy Paul played more than 70 matches for the Wallabies. Photo / Getty Images
Jeremy Paul played more than 70 matches for the Wallabies. Photo / Getty Images
That winning feeling was on Paul said Australia needed to get back. The Wallabies have struggled against the All Blacks for a number of years now, winning just two of their past 15 encounters against the New Zealand national side.
"Winning is a great start," Paul said. "Australians just hate seeing our teams lose.
"It's not just picking the right coach...there's massive issues – there's not just one thing we can put our finger on because there's a multitude of things that have gone wrong over a long, sustained period of time."The 72-match Wallaby praised the appointment of Raelene Castle as chief executive of Rugby Australia and hoped her influence would be able to spark a change for the better in the organisation.
"We need a strong administration – we need to have direction from the top...and internally within our administration, we need to put the right people in developing our coaches."
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So what they achieved by taking Robbie Deans?
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@bovidae so you are saying that is some poor journalism?
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I don't know the details of Samu's contract but the fact he was born in Aust and, as the article states, is an Aust citizen should be no different than Fiji, Samoa or Tonga wanting their players released in June. It's still his decision to accept any request to play.
But to answer your question, yes.
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I think the brad shield clause applies to the Ozzies, as it stands Ozzie can't pick him as he doesn't play for an Ozzie SR team nor have 60 caps. But like England with Brad shields, rugby Australia might let Cheika pick him early as he is coming next season. He's probably not signed the clause brad signed that holds him to NZ, like peers Francis but I don't know for sure
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The only way it would be similar to Shields is if he's been here 3 years + and is qualified for NZ and in his latest Super contract he declared he wanted to play for NZ only and went through the steps to fulfil 9.38. Other than that, Oz can select him and the Crusaders can't stop him from going.
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I'd be very pleased for Samu.
Done it the right way. Came over to play some NPC for Ta$man, impressed enough to get a Crusaders contract. The NZ pyramid (albeit parachuting in already above club level) working to perfection.
Brock James thinking if only in my day.
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@rapido said in Crusaders 2018:
@antipodean said in Crusaders 2018:
@stargazer That's an unflattering photo of Read.
and of DMac.
"That's quite the monstrous noggin for a small fella" ala MN5
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We are excited to announce that @drewzah22 (Andrew Makalio) has recommitted to the team for the 2019 season!Andrew Makalio re-signs for 2019 Crusade
BNZ Crusaders hooker Andrew Makalio has re-committed to the club for the 2019 Investec Super Rugby season. Makalio said that, in just his second season with the BNZ Crusaders, it was an easy decision to sign on for a third: “The start of my professional rugby career has moved quite fast, and I never would have believed that after my first season with Ta$man I’d be representing the Crusaders the following year. “It’s a huge honour to be a part of this team and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I‘ve had to wear the jersey. I’m happy with the progress I have made in developing my game and in the end, the decision to continue here with this group of players and a really engaging coaching group, was easy to make,” Makalio said.
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