This is a pretty nail on the head statement, on paper they have one of the best if not the best forward pack in the comp, the backs are strong on paper also, yet they fail to fire in that backline and their one off style of play is getting old, boring and easy to counter - just look a the Sharks win in Christchurch this season.
Was great when they ran one off for a few plays and then unleashed their back, but that doesn't really happen anymore.
Imagine if Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith were put in charge of all that talent.
I still think that the Crusaders will win, but not expecting it to be flashy, in saying that I so hope I am wrong and the game is worthy.
Personally I don't think 'one off' running is a major issue for the Crusaders. I don't think they really use it more than any other side (I would suggest they use it less than the Chiefs), and it can be a good way to get go-forward ball.
For me the biggest issue with the Crusaders this season is not that the haven't used their backs - indeed I think they have used them as much as any side in the competition - but rather they haven't used their backs effectively. Far too often they have been going side-to-side but not really getting anywhere. I can see why they use this tactic, but I don't think they are executing very well. They seem to play a long way behind the advantage line and rather than hit the line straight they crab across field. By the time the ball gets out wide the wing has no space to move, and the opposition has simply drifted across to cover.
I do think the Crusaders kick the ball far too often as well. Obviously a strong kicking game is essential, but opposition sides know that the Crusaders aren't interested in attacking from their own half and simply drop players back for the kicking duel, which makes it very hard for the Crusaders to win these contests. Perhaps the biggest issue with the Crusaders is their strict adherence to their game-plan no matter what the situation, and an inability to change this game-plan as required. Probably the best example of this is the Sharks match. When the Sharks were down to 14 (and 13 at one stage) the Crusaders continued to play a tactical kicking game and completely negate their own 1 (or 2) man advantage....
Despite all this the Crusaders have still had a pretty good season overall. I agree with GoodNumber10 that they have played some very poor rugby at times this season (and it has been painful to watch!), but I don't think it is fair to judge a side solely on their poor performances. They have played some excellent rugby at times this season too - for example putting over 50 points on both the Reds and Cheetahs, and 40 points on the Brumbies....
I definitely agree that the Crusaders would be better with either Dave Rennie or Wayne Smith in charge. They are two of the best coaches in NZ rugby, while I'm still unconvinced about Blackadder's coaching at this level.
Anyways the
Crusaders side has been named:
Israel Dagg, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, Richie McCaw, Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Taufua, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Johnny McNicholl.
So two changes from their last match, with McCaw in for Taufua, and Flynn replacing Funnell at hooker. For me Flynn vs Funnell is a 50:50 call, but Flynn's experience may have been the crucial factor in his selection. As I've mentioned before I'm not convinced about picking McCaw at 6, but at least Taufua has been maintained on the bench - I had a feeling they would have stuck with Luke Whitelock there....
