Todd Blackadder: Extensive travelling not an issue for Crusaders in Super Rugby final
Head Coach Todd Blackadder of New Zealander Super Rugby franchise, Crusaders, has negated the effect of extensive travelling on the team’s performance in the 2011 Super Rugby final, against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Saturday, July 9.
Blackadder made the comments while taking to reporters on Friday, July 8. He termed the long distances covered for away games a routine matter for the Crusaders. Last week, Crusaders had to travel approximately 11,000 km to play the Super Rugby semi-finals
against the Stormers at the Newlands Stadium, Cape Town.
Blackadder stressed that his team is fully fit and focused to win their eighth Super Rugby title. He further added that the extensive travelling will not be an excuse if his team is unable to win Saturday’s final against the Reds.
Blackadder said, “We've done a bit of traveling this year but we feel really fresh, We've sort of mastered the art of traveling. Just looking at the guys at training today, they are physically fit and mentally strong so we are good to go.”
It is believed that the Crusaders have travelled approximately 60,000 km during the Super XV tournament and have played matches in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Blackadder confirmed that the travelling and the associated fatigue were not even mentioned during the team meetings and match preparation session. He said, “You start talking about feeling tired and travel factors and it's amazing how quickly and easily
you start feeling tired.”
Crusaders last won the Super Rugby title in 2008 as they defeated the Waratahs 20 – 12 at AMI Stadium, Christchurch. Crusaders have a good win to loss ratio in the finals so far. They have reached the finals of the Super Rugby tournament nine times and ended
runner up twice.
Reds have an advantage and know that Crusaders lost a Super Rugby final against an Australian team. Crusaders last lost a Super Rugby final in 2004 as the Brumbies defeated Crusaders 47 – 38 at Canberra Stadium.
Blackadder expects a tough final match that will test the character and mettle of both sides and expects the final to be a “brutal” game.
Blackadder has praised the Reds performance in the season and particularly singled out the duo of Will Genia and Quade Cooper from the lot. He said, “"Week in, week out, they haven't been rotated, they have fronted for the Reds and the team has played some
brilliant rugby this year. I take my hat off to Will Genia and Quade Cooper.”
Commenting on Cooper, Blackadder further added that Cooper’s performance have been above par all season long. Blackadder thinks that Cooper has created “unbelievable” moves on the field in most games he has played, including the semi-finals.
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