Rugby: Paulo plots his next steps

Ti'i Paulo. Photo / Getty Images

The No 2 jersey has not been the luckiest garment in the Crusaders' kitbag.

Corey Flynn has a well-documented list of injuries, including five broken arms, while his sidekick since 2005, Ti'i Paulo, has also chalked up some serious damage.

He missed last season with a knee injury, while other wounds restricted him to 20 matches in his first five years with the franchise.

Not enough for a bloke who captained the New Zealand under-21 side and is now conceding any chance of higher honours by accepting a contract with the Clermont Auvergne club in France. It is a two-year deal and Paulo reckons that, at his age - he is now 27 - and at this stage of his career, the change will suit him, his partner and their 10-week-old child.

"I have been thinking about it for a few years now and this is the right time," he said. "Playing rugby is a great ticket to help see Europe and joining up with [ex-Crusader] Vern Cotter definitely helped.I also know Kevin Senio, Tasesa Lavea and Gavin Williams who are there, so that will help."

Paulo wants to delay his departure. He does not want to wake tomorrow knowing he has played his last game for the Crusaders. They are in a sudden-death joust tonight against the Brumbies and know they have to be in tune. "We have to win to stay in the hunt, it is as simple as that," he said.

A senior group of players including captain Richie McCaw, Chris Jack and Brad Thorn gathered the troops together and discussed how they should front against the Bulls. They did not win, though many would argue they were robbed by decisions by Marous Jonker and his assistants in the final few minutes. There will be no second chances. "We have to carry our self-belief, our strategies and worry about the things we can control," Paulo said.