All Blacks: Scott Robertson relies on ‘his’ Crusaders to expand his options in midfield

Current New Zealand coach Scott Robertson has achieved great success as coach of the Crusaders, winning an impressive seven Super Rugby titles.

However, the Christchurch club’s fortunes have changed markedly since ‘Razor’ left the team.

This season has marked the most difficult start in the Crusaders’ history, as the team faces not only the departure of Robertson, but also that of key players such as Richie Mo’unga.

The absence of the fly-half is also a problem for the national team, given that at least in the first period of the management of the new staff, Mo’unga will not be available as he is under contract with Toshiba Brave Lupus.

The Havili solution

The midfielder has been a key part of Robertson’s success and new Crusaders coach Rob Penney hasn’t had the same luck with his options in the control room. David Havili, however, could be an interesting solution.

Usually employed as the first center, Havili was Mo’unga’s right-hand man who operated as an opener. A sort of double playmaker that pushed Robertson to attempt a new tactical move.

The All Blacks coach is exploring alternatives in view of the summer test matches and Penney revealed that the group of coaches of the Rossoneri franchise had already taken into consideration the use of the player at number 10, so when Robertson’s request arrived it was it was an easy decision.

“We talked about it often as a coaching group, but we didn’t get into it until the All Blacks confirmed that they were really interested in seeing him play there, that there was a change to go in that direction,” the coach said. Crusaders coach who then added: “They said if we can get David in they would be really grateful for that. I think the All Blacks are very keen to have David Havilli in the squad, he’s capable of playing 10,12, 13 and he does it really effectively. He can also play 15 if necessary. He is a truly versatile player, capable of making an international bench truly exciting.”

Read also: Dan Biggar: “A future as a coach? Every coach I look at seems 10 years older.”

Crusaders in search of an identity

Despite being the reigning champions, the Crusaders are in third-to-last place in the Super Rugby Pacific with 12 points.

The new technical course will need time to take hold, furthermore the many departures of the most influential players who left after the World Cup certainly don’t help.

The Crusaders showed their class in their last outing, winning 39-0 over the Rebels and will be on the hunt for another victory against the Reds this weekend.

Meanwhile, the team recovers Leigh Halfpenny, who arrived in New Zealand to relaunch his career and was immediately injured. After the long months in the pits, his time has come: he will debut this weekend with the number 15 jersey.

onrugby.it © all rights reserved