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KEY POINTS:
Chiefs prop Ben May expects Todd Blackadder to keep things pretty much the same when his tenure as new Crusaders coach begins this weekend.
May played under Blackadder at Tasman and is back for his second stint in the Waikato. He cannot see the former All Black captain deviating too much from the successful formula that has brought seven Super rugby titles to the region.
Blackadder likes the small things done well so May doubts he will bring anything too flashy, but will look to use width.
May says knowing many of the Crusaders' tight forwards well, he will not be short of advice for his front row colleagues ahead of Saturday's Super 14 opener. He points out that scrummaging is technical but knowing your opposite's strengths and weaknesses is a bonus.
Meanwhile, former Highlanders flanker Josh Blackie has had his first hit-out with his new Blues teammates ahead of Friday night's opening Super 14 match against the Western Force in Perth. Blackie joined up with the squad yesterday morning after finishing his commitments with Kobe Steel in Japan.
Blues captain Keven Mealamu says Blackie went straight to training after touching down in Perth, and it is great to have him join the squad, considering they are a bit short of experience.
Blackie has had to get used to a few new faces, and Mealamu says it might take him a while to settle in but they will make him feel welcome.
The Blues starting line-up will be named this afternoon.
The Highlanders and Brumbies kick the competition off on Friday night.
- NEWSTALK ZB
