2018 squad guide - rugbyredefined.files.wordpress.com fileformer crusaders, canterbury and all...

1 I CRUSDAERS 2017 - SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

2018 SQUAD GUIDE


SCOTT ROBERTSON

Head Coach

Former Crusaders, Canterbury and All Blacks loose forward Scott Robertson returns in 2018 to lead the BNZ Crusaders for the second time after leading them to their 2017 Super Rugby title. Robertson was the Head Coach of the Canterbury national provincial team from 2013-2016, guiding the team to three Premiership titles in that role. He also assisted the team to five successive titles between 2008 and 2012, first as the Assistant Forwards Coach for four years and then as the Assistant Coach in 2012. He has also enjoyed success as Head Coach of the New Zealand Under 20 team, claiming victory at the 2015 Under 20 World Championship. Prior to that he was the forwards coach in 2014. Robertson is highly regarded as a great communicator and strategist who helps players to thrive under his leadership.

BRAD MOOAR

Assistant Coach

Brad Mooar returns for his third year with the BNZ Crusaders in 2018, filling the Assistant Coach role. Prior to the Crusaders, Mooar was Head Coach and Director of Rugby at Rugby Southland. His coaching career began with the Christchurch Rugby Club Colts team in 2007, and he progressed onto the Club’s premier team before becoming the Assistant Coach of the Canterbury Colts in 2011. In 2012 he moved to South Africa to coach the Eastern Province Kings to a Currie Cup Division 1 title, then become Assistant Coach of the Southern Kings Super Rugby side under Matt Sexton’s leadership. He returned to New Zealand at the end of that season to take the Southland role. Mooar also brings valuable off-field experience as a former solicitor to the role, and provides inspirational leadership and excellent management skills.

ASSISTANT BACKS COACH

TBC

JASON RYAN

Assistant Forwards Coach

Jason Ryan is back for his second season as Assistant Forwards Coach for the BNZ Crusaders in Super Rugby for 2018. He brings a great skill set to the team particularly with his experience as a scrum coach. Ryan has been working with the forwards in the Canterbury provincial team for the last five years, initially as a Scrum Coach and then as an Assistant Coach in 2015 and 2016. He also has national experience as the Scrum Coach for the Black Ferns in 2014, and New Zealand Under 20 team for the last three seasons. Ryan is known in New Zealand rugby circles as an expert on scrums, and set up the Front Row Club in 2013, a coaching programme focused on safe development of props and hookers.


MICHAEL ALA’ALATOA

DATE OF BIRTH: 28.08.91 PHYSICAL 1.89m, 132kg

POSITION: Prop

SUPER GAMES: 34 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t)

SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Reds (Waratahs) at Brisbane

2017 PROVINCE: Manawatu

PROVINCIAL GAMES: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Counties Manukau at Pukekohe

TEST CAPS uncapped TEST POINTS N/A

TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: 2018 will be Mike’s third season with the BNZ Crusaders, and it’s been pleasing to see his development throughout that time. Mike worked hard and grew all aspects of his game during the 2017 season. He’s developing his confidence and leadership all the time, and we’re sure his best rugby is yet to come.

SCOTT BARRETT


POSITION: Lock


SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Rebels at Christchurch

2017 PROVINCE: Canterbury


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland at Christchurch

TEST CAPS 14 TEST POINTS 10 (2t)

TEST DEBUT 2016 v Ireland at Chicago

COACHES SAY: Scott is another world class lock in our squad; he’s athletic and always seeks to improve his game. He’s a ranging second-rower who is strong with ball in hand and is growing in international experience as part of the All Blacks squad. He’ll be looking forward to another big season.

TIM BATEMAN

DATE OF BIRTH: 03.06.87 PHYSICAL 1.82, 91kg

POSITION: Midfield back


SUPER DEBUT: 2007 v Lions at Johannesburg



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2006 v South Canterbury at Timaru


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Tim was voted by the team as Player of the Year in 2017, and this is a true measure of the man. He has a magnificent intellect on and off the field and offers real leadership at a micro level within the back group, but also at a macro level with the leadership and coaching group. Tim brings an intensity and energy which lifts the players around him, and supports our team’s culture immensely.

GEORGE BRIDGE


POSITION: Outside back


SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Brumbies at Christchurch



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Northland at Whangarei


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: BNZ Crusaders Rookie of the Year in 2017, George made giant strides in his debut season. His pace and ability to find the try line are big features of his game, but he’s always striving to add to his skill set & we’ll look to him to take his game to the next level in 2018.


WYATT CROCKETT


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2006 v Highlanders at Christchurch



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2005 v Marlborough at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT 2009 v Italy at Christchurch

COACHES SAY: As the most capped Crusader of all time, Wyatt’s value within this group goes without saying. He’s both an experienced player and quality team man, which makes him an important leader within the squad, and we can’t wait to have him return for the BNZ Crusaders in 2018.

RYAN CROTTY


POSITION: Midfield back


SUPER DEBUT: 2009 v Hurricanes at Christchurch



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Otago at Dunedin


TEST DEBUT 2013 v Australia at Sydney

COACHES SAY: Reliable, consistent and world-class & Ryan is a pivotal leader in the BNZ Crusaders, and a genuine team man. He’s great to coach, a true professional and you are guaranteed 100% effort from him whenever he takes the field.

ISRAEL DAGG


POSITION: Fullback

SUPER GAMES: 108 SUPER POINTS: 268 (34t, 19c, 20p)

SUPER DEBUT: 2009 v Brumbies (Highlanders) at Dunedin

2017 PROVINCE: Hawke’s Bay

PROVINCIAL GAMES: 50 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 86 (15t, 34c, 1p)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2006 v Counties Manukau at Napier

TEST CAPS 63 TEST POINTS 128 (24t, 1c, 2p)

TEST DEBUT 2010 v Ireland at New Plymouth

COACHES SAY: An incredible athlete with a superb skill set and composure under pressure. He’ll look to return from injury better than ever in 2018; he’s simply one of the best in world rugby.

MIKE DELANY


POSITION: First five eighth


SUPER DEBUT: 2008 v Reds (Highlanders) at Brisbane

2017 PROVINCE: Bay of Plenty


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2006 v Wellington at Wellington

TEST CAPS 1 TEST POINTS 0

TEST DEBUT 2009 v Italy at Milan

COACHES SAY: Mike brings a wealth of experience in the pivot role. He has played at Super Rugby level in New Zealand and then spent time playing in France, England and Japan, so it’s great to get a player of his experience and quality joining our back play in 2018. Mike really complements Richie Mo’unga and Mitch Hunt, but we know he will also bring competition when it comes to selection time.


MITCHELL DRUMMOND


POSITION: Halfback




PROVINCIAL GAMES: 37 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 47 (9t, 1c)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Manawatu at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Mitch has brought consistent form through from Super Rugby to the Mitre 10 Cup season with Canterbury. An intelligent and aggressive halfback with a strong attacking mindset, Mitch dotted down a number of times for Canterbury this year, including an impressive four tries against Counties Manukau.

MITCHELL DUNSHEA


POSITION: Lock

SUPER GAMES: 1 SUPER POINTS: 0

SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Force at Christchurch





TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Mitchell has a massive engine, which is critical in the engine room. He has found his way to the try line on a number of occasions this season for Canterbury, and this shows his ability with ball in hand. He has a good turn of speed for a lock, and this will give the coaching group an additional offensive option. Mitch also has great defensive technique, so we know we can count on this part of his game also.

BRAYDON ENNOR


POSITION: Wing

SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER POINTS: N/A

SUPER DEBUT: N/A



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Otago at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Another exciting young player who was part of the World Champion Under 20s team this year, and developed through the Crusaders Academy system. He’s really taken the Mitre 10 Cup by storm and shown the potential that we identified in his ability. He’s a versatile player who can play any position from second five out, has a strong left foot and genuine speed.

OWEN FRANKS


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2009 v Force at Christchurch



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v North Harbour at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT 2009 v Italy at Christchurch

COACHES SAY: Owen is working diligently on his rehabilitation from injury and will miss the start of the Super Rugby season. A professional athlete in every sense, his work ethic can’t be faulted and his ability at scrum time goes without saying. A determined and powerful defender, we have no doubt Owen will come back fitter, stronger and raring to go in 2018.


BEN FUNNELL


POSITION: Hooker


SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Waratahs at Sydney



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Otago at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Ben will play in his seventh Super Rugby campaign in 2018. He’s a competitive and physical front-rower, who genuinely cares about the group. Ben has enjoyed plenty of minutes for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup and will look for continuity in to next season as his game just continues to grow.

JACK GOODHUE


POSITION: Centre


SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Brumbies at Christchurch

2017 PROVINCE: Northland


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Waikato (Canterbury) at Hamilton


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Jack had an exceptional 2017, with a sublime Super Rugby season for the BNZ Crusaders, followed by an outstanding campaign with Northland. He has topped this with selection in the All Blacks, so we look forward to him bringing this experience back to the Crusaders in 2018 where we know he will raise the bar yet again. Jack is a pillar on defence, and brings some real x-factor on attack.

BRYN HALL


POSITION: Halfback


SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Crusaders (Blues) at Auckland

2017 PROVINCE: North Harbour


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Waikato at Albany


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: We’re excited to have Bryn back with the BNZ Crusaders in 2018. He’s a fierce competitor and brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm to the group. Bryn was unlucky to be injured late in the Mitre 10 Cup season for North Harbour, but we look forward to his return in Super Rugby next year.

BILLY HARMON


POSITION: Loose forward


SUPER DEBUT: N/A





TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Another player who has progressed through the Canterbury system and Crusaders Academy. Billy has had a great Mitre 10 Cup season with Canterbury; he’s a true No. 7 who is always near the loose ball. His running and linking game is exceptional, and he will be a great foil for the other loose forwards. Billy is a great option as a ball runner, so this will give us additional offensive options.


DAVID HAVILI


POSITION: Second five eighth


SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Lions at Christchurch

2017 PROVINCE: Tasman


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Hawke’s Bay at Blenheim


TEST DEBUT 2017 v Argentina at Buenos Aires

COACHES SAY: Our 2017 BNZ Crusaders Player of the Year had a breakthrough season of Super Rugby, and earned his call up to the All Blacks off the back of that. He’s quick and versatile with great attacking flair; a young talent whose game and leadership is going from strength to strength.

MITCHELL HUNT


POSITION: First five eighth/Fullback

SUPER GAMES: 14 SUPER POINTS: 63 (2t, 15c, 5p, 1d)




PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Southland (Auckland) at Invercargill


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Mitch had a break through season in 2017, and has shown that he is a pressure and big game player. His option taking is excellent, and his ability to kick the goals that really matter is testament to his maturity. Mitch will be really challenging Richie and Mike for the 10 jersey this season, and competition within the group is what any coach wants, to bring out the best in all players.

OLIVER JAGER


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Reds at Brisbane


PROVINCIAL GAMES: 18 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0



TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Oli had limited game time for us in 2017 but continues to work hard and stepped up when needed. He has had some great performances for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup this season and we know the opportunities will come for him at tighthead prop in 2018, in the absence of Owen Franks in the competition’s early stages. We have a lot of confidence in Oli’s ability and look forward to seeing him get stuck in to his work in 2018.

WILL JORDAN


POSITION: Fullback


SUPER DEBUT: N/A



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Manawatu at Palmerston North


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: New to the 2018 squad, Will is a very exciting young player; big, strong and fast. We’re thrilled he is part of the group for the coming campaign and he will bring some real energy to the back three play.


JONE MACILAI


POSITION: Wing


SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Reds at Christchurch

2017 PROVINCE: Northland


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Southland at Whangarei


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Jone has had a frustrating run with injuries, so we are so pleased as a coaching group to see his form this season for Northland in the Mitre 10 Cup. Jone has real explosive speed, but he is also developing his finishing, and has scored some really impressive tries this season. We are looking forward to giving Jone the opportunity to show his ability in a Crusaders jersey this season.

ANDREW MAKALIO


POSITION: Hooker


SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Sunwolves at Christchurch



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Waikato at Blenheim


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: 2018 will be his second year with the BNZ Crusaders, and we’re looking forward to seeing him step up this season and work on that point of difference we know he can provide at hooker. He’s been getting good game time for Tasman and will be better for the experience he gained in 2017.

MANASA MATAELE


POSITION: Wing


SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Blues at Christchurch

2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Bay of Plenty at Tauranga


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Mana was a real find for us in 2017, and he showed his ability when given the opportunity. He is a young player who will only get better with more game time in 2018. He has a real desire to learn his trade, and this is a great trait to have for an aspiring Crusader. We are looking for development from Mana, which will be building on his line breaking form and finishing during the 2017 season.

JOE MOODY


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Blues at Auckland



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Otago at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT 2014 v Australia at Sydney

COACHES SAY: Joe will miss the first part of the Super Rugby season through injury, but he is determined and already well on the road to recovery, so we have no doubt he’ll come back fitter, faster and stronger in 2018. He is a superb scrummager and his wrestling background makes him an incredibly strong and physical player.


RICHIE MO’UNGA

DATE OF BIRTH: 25.05.94 PHYSICAL 1.76m, 86 kg

POSITION: First five eighth


SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Chiefs at Christchurch


PROVINCIAL GAMES: 49 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 327 (10t,86c, 40p)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Manawatu at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Richie has been building his play over the last few seasons with both Canterbury and the BNZ Crusaders, and is now regarded as one of the best in the country. With an attacking mindset that is willing to challenge the line, or spot the opportunity to move the ball, Richie has really developed an all-round game in the No. 10 jersey. He also has an exceptional general kicking game, and is slotting over 80% from the tee, which is crucial at Super Rugby level. He has spent some time in the All Blacks camp this year and we know he’ll be even better for that experience in 2018.

TIM PERRY


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Bulls at Auckland



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v South Canterbury (Mid Canterbury) at Ashburton


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Tim will be wanting to press his case for more game time in 2018, and has a great opportunity to do so in the absence of some of our most experienced props. He’s a consistently hard worker for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup and has just been named in the All Blacks squad for the first time, for their Northern Tour; so he will join the BNZ Crusaders with a lot more experience next year and we expect to see him keep getting better and better.

KIERAN READ







PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2006 v Wairarapa Bush at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT 2008 v Scotland at Edinburgh

COACHES SAY: Kieran spent the first part of 2017 sidelined with injury, but returned for yet another outstanding Super Rugby season. He’s world-class, with a superb understanding of the game and he remains an instrumental figure in the BNZ Crusaders’ leadership group.

LUKE ROMANO


POSITION: Lock


SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Bulls at Timaru



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v Tasman at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT 2012 v Ireland at Hamilton

COACHES SAY: 2017 was one of Luke’s best seasons in a BNZ Crusaders jersey. Whether starting, or providing impact off the bench, he made his presence felt and played a pivotal role in our line out defence. Luke is the ultimate team man and will again be an integral part of our squad in 2018.


PETE SAMU




SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Blues at Christchurch



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland at Auckland


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: An explosive athlete, Pete is a powerful loose forward who challenges himself and strives to grow his skill set. It’s great to have Pete recommit to the Crusaders for the 2018 season and we look forward to seeing him make his physical presence felt on the field.

TOM SANDERS




SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Crusaders at Christchurch





TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Tom is a tough, uncompromising loose forward who only knows one way & forward. He has a surprising turn of speed and a really good read on the game, which will add to the Crusaders’ play and pattern during the 80 minutes. It’s great to have Tom back in Christchurch after two seasons at the Chiefs.

QUINTEN STRANGE


POSITION: Lock


SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Sunwolves at Christchurch



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Waikato at Blenheim


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: After his debut Super Rugby season in 2017, Quinten will be looking to continue his form through to next year. He’s one of our best trainers and took his opportunities when they arose this year, so we have no doubt he’ll make a case for more game time in 2018.

JACK STRATTON


POSITION: Halfback


SUPER DEBUT: N/A





TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Jack has had an exceptional Mitre 10 Cup season for Canterbury. He has great game management, and really shows experience beyond his years. He has a strong box kick and slick pass, which will provide great service to our offensive line and we know he’ll complement fellow halfbacks Bryn Hall and Mitchell Drummond.


SETA TAMANIVALU


POSITION: Centre


SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Brumbies at New Plymouth

2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Hawke’s Bay at New Plymouth


TEST DEBUT 2016 v Wales at Auckland

COACHES SAY: Seta was outstanding on the wing in 2017, a great finisher who knows his way to the line. Seta also creates a threat off the ball, and this adds an extra dimension to his play, as his line running is always a distraction to defensive lines. Seta played his way back into a black jersey in 2017, so we look forward to him re-joining the squad in the new year.

JORDAN TAUFUA




SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Stormers at Cape Town



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Canterbury at Nelson


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: He played big minutes for the BNZ Crusaders in 2017 and followed up another strong Super Rugby season with a solid provincial campaign for Tasman. He’s a spiritual warrior and will look to take his game to new heights next year.

CODIE TAYLOR


POSITION: Hooker


SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Kings at Christchurch





TEST DEBUT 2015 v Argentina at Christchurch

COACHES SAY: A world-class athlete, Codie had another fantastic season for the BNZ Crusaders this year and followed that up with a strong test series for the All Blacks. He’s still a young man but is already an important leader in the Crusaders side, having reached 50 games this season. We were thrilled to have Codie re-sign through to 2021 and we’re confident he has plenty more to offer this team, so we look forward to another strong year from him in 2018.

MATT TODD



SUPER GAMES: 109 SUPER POINTS: 111(22t)




PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v Waikato at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT 2013 v France at New Plymouth

COACHES SAY: Another consistent performer for the BNZ Crusaders, Matt Todd is the complete player in the No. 7 jersey. He’s reliable, hard-working, and you’ll never see him give less than 100% on the field or the training paddock.


SAM WHITELOCK


POSITION: Lock


SUPER DEBUT: 2010 v Highlanders at Christchurch



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Wellington at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT 2010 v Ireland at New Plymouth

COACHES SAY: In his debut season as captain of the BNZ Crusaders, Sam demonstrated outstanding leadership and really grew into his role as the season went on. He epitomises leading by example and always has the best interests of the team at the front of his mind. He’s undoubtedly one of the best players in the world and yet strives to continually raise the bar.

ETHAN BLACKADDER




SUPER DEBUT: N/A




TEST CAPS N/A TEST POINTS N/A

TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Ethan is a quality loose forward, with an exceptional work rate and skill set. He’s only in his early twenties but his form for Tasman, particularly towards the business end of the Mitre 10 Cup season, was outstanding and he’s a player of tremendous character too which will make him a great addition to the Crusaders team in 2018.

2018 squad guide - rugbyredefined.files.wordpress.com fileformer crusaders, canterbury and all...

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