Enduring image of the strong, silent performer

Reuben Thorne has the chance to win a sixth Super title in his eighth final. Ross Land / Getty Images

Sports teams mirror life. They comprise a mix of personalities, which is good because otherwise sport, and life, would be desperately dull.

And when it comes to New Zealand rugby, there's an enduring image, fuzzier round the edges now than 30 years ago, but the one many still relate best to: the strong, quiet type.

Reuben Thorne, notably during his tenure as All Black captain in 2002-03, fell into that category. It's not strictly accurate, more a case that if he didn't have anything worthwhile saying, why chatter for the sake of it?

But the die was cast in rugby eyes. It didn't help that his contribution to the All Blacks was the source of robust debate. He was either undervalued or overrated.

But in Canterbury, they won't hear a word against him. And here's why: he is the one constant throughout their years of glory. He has never let them down, never complained about his lot, just keeps on keeping on and tonight has the chance of winning a sixth Super rugby title in his eighth final.

No other New Zealand player can match those numbers and Thorne is not there on sentimental grounds. Crusaders coach Robbie Deans would not have a non-contributor, so take it as read one of the best coaches this country has produced appreciates Thorne's value.

Thorne's memories of the leadup to that first title in 1998 are dim but his recollections of the 20-13 win over the Blues at Eden Park remain vivid.

"We got up there and played out of our skins really," he said. "I remember the game clearly, especially when James Kerr scored that try. It's imprinted in my mind.

"It was against the odds really. We'd had a really poor start to the year. It was a star-studded Auckland side and more through sheer guts and determination and belief in each other we managed to claw our way through.

"Everything after that, the people at the airport to greet us, the street parade, they'll always be special memories for me."

Thorne, more than anyone apart from Deans, is best placed to assess how the Crusaders have laid out their legacy. Actually, it's not rocket science, but other franchises haven't yet cottoned on how to make it work for them.

The foundations were laid with that first title. It brought an understanding of what was required. The faces have changed, but not the template.

"All the foundations and systems we set all those years ago have really stood the test of time," Thorne said.

"I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday, a former Crusader, who said a similar thing. New players have come into it but you just carry on the same way. It's really pleasing to see that.

"We've always tried to involve everyone, make everyone feel comfortable and it goes beyond the training field and what we do at Rugby Park [training headquarters].

"We're all good friends outside that, all the wives and partners, Robbie's wife Penny does a good job involving all the girls and makes everybody feel they belong.

"Being happy in a family environment is a big part of being happy in the rugby field. We look out for each other.

"I don't think a young guy coming in would ever feel the older players were looking down on him or being negative. We try to make them feel comfortable and encourage them to express themselves. That's just the way we do things here."

And Thorne, brother-in-law of former Crusaders hero Andrew Mehrtens, who'd probably do enough talking for both of them round a dinner table, is at the heart of it. A good bloke with decent values.

Deans neatly encapsulated what Thorne - New Plymouth raised and educated but red and black in just about all other respects - means to Canterbury and Crusaders rugby.

"His contribution is huge. It's probably unprecedented what he gives to the game in New Zealand. He brings an obvious effectiveness, and he has a composure, serenity and calmness which rubs off on people around him."

Deans talked of a player whose contribution was known in advance. That is, he and the other players know what they will get every game. He's utter reliability, one player the coach never needs to worry about.

There's a telling line in the pen portrait of Thorne on the Crusaders website. Asked to name "the player I respect the most", Thorne replied: "The guy who gives 100 per cent all the time."

Of his five Super 12 titles, Thorne plumps for two which he thinks of with special affection. The first, because it set in motion what has followed, and 2002.

That year, the Crusaders did what no team had previously done, going through the campaign unbeaten. And the big bloke with No 6 on his back was captain.

But what of tonight? Thorne doubts the Crusaders' superior experience of finals will have much bearing, given the amount of big time rugby several Hurricanes have tasted. And he pointed out that "finals are funny things".

"You just never know. You can build up perfectly well but strange things happen. At Canberra a couple of years ago we'd prepared well but everything went the Brumbies way for 60 minutes and we couldn't do anything about it."

Thorne is contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union until 2008, and he's in no hurry to look beyond that.

"I'm still enjoying rugby in New Zealand. I don't think I could go anywhere and play this quality of rugby against this quality of opposition.

"And obviously being part of this team helps." And that just might be the understatement of the year.

Reuben Thorne
Born: January 2, 1975, Christchurch.
Height: 1.92m.
Weight: 106kg.
Position: Blindside flanker/lock.
Nickname: Kruger.
Super 12 debut: 1997.
Crusaders appearances: 111.
Super 12 titles: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005.
Super 12 losing finalist: 2003, 2004.
Tests: 41 (22 as captain).