Rugby: Blackadder wants more improvement

Robbie Fruean crossed over twice last Friday for the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder wants even more from his Super 15 rugby team despite their outstanding win over the previously unbeaten Waratahs last Friday.

The tragedy of the Christchurch earthquake was not lost on the Crusaders who won an emotionally-charged match 33-18 over the Waratahs at Trafalgar Park and they return to the Nelson tomorrow night for their fourth round home fixture against the Brumbies.

The Australian team are in turmoil after dumping their coach after a second round loss to the Melbourne Rebels then succumbing at home last week to the Queensland Reds.

Blackadder said it had been a little easier preparing for the Brumbies after stepping into the unknown last week when the team had their first outing since the deadly February 22 earthquake.

He said three valuable facts emerged from the victory over the Waratahs.

"`One was the relief of winning the game as it was so important for so many reasons; secondly, while it was a good performance there is the need to back up now the emotional ties are gone; thirdly, we haven't nailed the last 20 minutes in our first two games.

"We've allowed the opposition to come back in the last quarter of those games. We also want to rectify a poor start last week by being more accurate."

Blackadder said playing home games away from Christchurch was an issue the team had dealt with and would not be used as an excuse.

He added that he was aware of speculation that the Crusaders and the Sharks match on March 25 might be played at Twickenham in London.

"If we have to go all the way to London we will do that and still perform. The team have been briefed that it may be a possibility and the reasons why.

"If we had our way we'd take everything to Timaru and Nelson because if we want to win this competition we want good performances and make it difficult places for the opposition."

Blackadder is unsure whether the controversial sacking of Brumbies coach Andy Friend would benefit the Crusaders.

"It depends on how the team reacts. We know the pressure of Mark Hammett going to the Hurricanes last year and what a distraction it was. Whatever went on over there I'm sure has been a major distraction but that can't be our issue."

Veteran lock Chris Jack will mark his 100th appearance for the Crusaders when he takes the starting place of fellow All Black Brad Thorn.

The 32-year-old Jack first appeared against the Hurricanes in 1999.

Jack modestly dismisses the milestone as "just another game".

"It's important we as a team plays well, but it is something you reflect on later and it makes you look back to the past and where you've been," Jack said.

"The Crusaders who have got to 100 are pretty much legends so I'm happy to be part of that."

Blackadder said Jack would be inspirational against the Brumbies.

"He epitomises everything about this organisation - he helps all the young guys who are going to take his position."

- NZPA