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Crusaders v Waratahs<\/strong><\/span> The reigning champions Crusaders begin their pursuit of an unprecedented fourth straight Super Rugby title with a clash against a dangerous Waratahs side in Nelson. The Crusaders haven\u2019t lost to the Waratahs at home since 2004 but face a huge challenge from the Syndey-siders with a number of key players missing from their 2019 campaign.<\/span><\/p>\n When the Crusaders take on the Waratahs in Nelson on Saturday Scott Robertson will begin his quest for a fourth straight Super Rugby title against a familiar figure.<\/span> Robertson spent three years as an assistant under Penney at Canterbury from 2008-2011.<\/span><\/p>\n “It’s quite a nice moment in my coaching career and I assume in his as well,” said Robertson.<\/span><\/p>\n “He was the first person that gave me the opportunity with the assistant coach role with Canterbury in 2008.<\/span><\/p>\n “I regard him as a mentor, a good friend and a good man. He’s got a great rugby mind.”<\/span><\/p>\n Robertson has named a strong side for the opening round of the competition, with a number of All Blacks returning to the starting line-up, including Richie Mo’unga, Scott Barrett and Jack Goodhue.<\/span><\/p>\n The only omissions from the squad are George Bridge and Joe Mood, who will have an extra week to ready themselves. Sevu Reece and Codie Taylor should come off the bench.<\/span><\/p>\n There will be a Super Rugby debut for Tom Christie, who starts in the No 7 jersey. Young lock\/loose-forward Cullen Grace is also a chance off the bench.<\/span><\/p>\n One man excited more than most for the opening round is loose-forward Tom Sanders who will start at six.<\/span><\/p>\n The 25-year-old has had no luck with injuries over the last two years after suffering a fractured ankle in 2018 and dislocated his shoulder in 2019. His time on the side-line has given his a new perspective on rugby.<\/span> Saturday will mark the beginning of Scott Barrett’s reign as Crusaders captain. He says he’s well aware of what comes with the new title.<\/span><\/p>\n “There’s certainly a lot of expectation and the guys who have been in this position before me are some of the great players for this club and New Zealand rugby, so yeah, it is an honour, a privilege and I’m looking forward to it and putting my spin on things,” said Barrett.<\/span><\/p>\n Meanwhile, Robertson – who shoulder tapped Barrett for the captaincy at the Crusaders end-of-season party last year – believes the big lock will bring his own style of leadership.<\/span><\/p>\n “He’s a quiet leader. He will just go about his work and chip in when he needs to. We’ve got a lot of voices that he can call on,” said Robertson.<\/span><\/p>\n The Crusaders will begin their bid for an unprecedented fourth straight title.<\/span><\/p>\n “I think it’s important that you look at it around how you’re going to get the best out of this team.<\/span><\/p>\n “We’ve got a great group and these guys want to make their own names,” said Robertson.<\/span><\/p>\n TEAMS<\/strong><\/span> Waratahs:<\/strong>\u00a015 Kurtley Beale, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Will Harrison, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Rob Simmons (c), 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Robbed Abel, 1 Tom Robertson<\/span> Crusaders v Waratahs<\/span> Crusaders v Waratahs Saturday 1 February, 7.05pm at Trafalger Park, Nelson Played: 26 Won: Crusaders 19, Waratahs 7 Last match: Crusaders 20, Waratahs 12 (23 March 2019) The reigning champions Crusaders begin their pursuit of an unprecedented fourth straight Super Rugby title with a clash against a dangerous Waratahs side in Nelson. The Crusaders haven\u2019t…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38933,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"Super Rugby 2\ufe0f\u20e30\ufe0f\u20e32\ufe0f\u20e30\ufe0f\u20e3 \r\nPreview - Crusaders v Waratahs {1\/2\/20}\r\nPREVIEW: \u27a1\ufe0f https:\/\/wp.me\/p9yf19-a7W\r\n#SUPERRUGBY #RUGBYREDEFINED\r\n#25Years\r\n\r\nFollow our new Home of \"RR - RUGBYREDEFINED\"\r\nat https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rugbyredefined\/","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4840,4932,4832,4852],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38932","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-crusaders","category-latest-news","category-super-rugby","category-waratahs"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/fdsa.jpg?fit=710%2C400&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9yf19-a7W","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":36708,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/super-rugby\/2019\/03\/super-rugby-preview-waratahs-v-crusaders-23-03-19\/","url_meta":{"origin":38932,"position":0},"title":"Super Rugby Preview: Waratahs v Crusaders (23\/03\/19)","author":"rr_admin","date":"March 22, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"The Waratahs have played the Crusaders 25 times in Super rugby since 1996 and they have won 6 matches and lost 19. That means the Waratahs have won just 24% of their matches against the Crusaders \u2013 regardless of venue. This weekend the match between these teams will be played\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Crusaders"","block_context":{"text":"Crusaders","link":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/category\/crusaders\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/180712NickPhipps.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/180712NickPhipps.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/180712NickPhipps.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/180712NickPhipps.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":36748,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/latest-news\/2019\/03\/super-rugby-result-waratahs-20-v-12-crusaders-23-03-19\/","url_meta":{"origin":38932,"position":1},"title":"Super Rugby Result: Waratahs 20 v 12 Crusaders (23\/03\/19)","author":"rr_admin","date":"March 23, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Sydney\u2019s Waratahs earned their first victory over the Crusaders with a 20-12 Super rugby victory at the SCG in Sydney. The Waratahs outscored the Crusaders by three tries to two in a match they led throughout the contest. The victory ends a three match losing streak to the Super rugby\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Latest News"","block_context":{"text":"Latest News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/category\/latest-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/55680144_2114343915267483_2112105237878669312_n.jpg?fit=960%2C504&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/55680144_2114343915267483_2112105237878669312_n.jpg?fit=960%2C504&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/55680144_2114343915267483_2112105237878669312_n.jpg?fit=960%2C504&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/55680144_2114343915267483_2112105237878669312_n.jpg?fit=960%2C504&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":38947,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/super-rugby\/2020\/02\/super-rugby-2020-result-crusaders-43-v-25-waratahs-1-2-20\/","url_meta":{"origin":38932,"position":2},"title":"Super Rugby 2020: Result – Crusaders 43 v 25 Waratahs {1\/2\/20}","author":"rr_admin","date":"February 1, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"The Crusaders launched their Super Rugby title defence with a 43-25 victory over the Waratahs in an entertaining nine-try festival in Nelson Saturday. It was the pupil outsmarting the master as the Crusaders scored six tries to three to confirm their status as championship frontrunners again, while in Fukuoka the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Crusaders"","block_context":{"text":"Crusaders","link":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/category\/crusaders\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/crusad202a.jpg?fit=793%2C550&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/crusad202a.jpg?fit=793%2C550&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/crusad202a.jpg?fit=793%2C550&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/crusad202a.jpg?fit=793%2C550&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":39090,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/super-rugby\/2020\/02\/super-rugby-2020-preview-blues-v-crusaders-14-2-20\/","url_meta":{"origin":38932,"position":3},"title":"Super Rugby 2020: Preview \u2013 Blues v Crusaders {14\/2\/20}","author":"rr_admin","date":"February 14, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Blues v Crusaders Friday 14 February, 7.05pm at Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Paul Williams Played: 34 Won: Blues 11, Crusaders 23 Last match: Blues 11, Crusaders 19 (25 May 2019) Although the Blues have lost their last 10 matches to the Crusaders, this could be their best shot at a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blues"","block_context":{"text":"Blues","link":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/category\/blues\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Richie-Mounga-Crusaders-SR-2018-PA.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Richie-Mounga-Crusaders-SR-2018-PA.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Richie-Mounga-Crusaders-SR-2018-PA.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Richie-Mounga-Crusaders-SR-2018-PA.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":36766,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/super-rugby\/2019\/03\/super-rugby-preview-waratahs-v-sunwolves-29-03-19\/","url_meta":{"origin":38932,"position":4},"title":"Super Rugby Preview: Waratahs v Sunwolves (29\/03\/19)","author":"rr_admin","date":"March 29, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Fresh off ending the longest win streak in Super Rugby history last week and sitting pretty at the top of the Australian conference, confidence around the NSW base at Daceyville is through the roof. The Waratah\u2019s defense which they have dubbed \u2018The Blue Wall\u2019 strangled the previously unbeaten Crusaders at\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Latest News"","block_context":{"text":"Latest News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/category\/latest-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Waratahs_back_Israel_Folau_against_Lions.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Waratahs_back_Israel_Folau_against_Lions.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Waratahs_back_Israel_Folau_against_Lions.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Waratahs_back_Israel_Folau_against_Lions.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":39497,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/new-zealand\/2020\/12\/sky-super-rugby-trans-tasman-venues-and-kick-off-times-finalised-for-2021\/","url_meta":{"origin":38932,"position":5},"title":"Sky Super Rugby Trans-Tasman venues and kick off times finalised for 2021","author":"rr_admin","date":"December 14, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Sky Super Rugby Trans-Tasman venues and kick off times finalised for 2021 Friday night double headers on Sky and three matches every Saturday Afternoon kick-offs in Auckland and Hamilton Super Round venue to be announced in the New Year The Sky Super Rugby Trans-Tasman 2021 draw has been finalized with\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Latest News"","block_context":{"text":"Latest News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/category\/latest-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/2021Draw.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/2021Draw.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/2021Draw.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/2021Draw.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/2021Draw.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38932","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38932"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38932\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38934,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38932\/revisions\/38934"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38933"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyredefined.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nSaturday 1 February, 7.05pm at Trafalger Park, Nelson<\/span>
\nPlayed: 26<\/span>
\nWon: Crusaders 19, Waratahs 7<\/span>
\nLast match: Crusaders 20, Waratahs 12 (23 March 2019)<\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe Waratahs are under the guidance of former Canterbury coach Rob Penney this season.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n“You really appreciate the times that you’re back out on the field, even when you’re back on the training field you’re enjoying every moment and not taking it for granted,” said Sanders.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nCrusaders:\u00a0<\/strong>15. David Havili, 14. Will Jordan, 13. Braydon Ennor, 12. Jack Goodhue, 11. Leicester Faingaanuku, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 9. Mitchell Drummond, 8. Whetukamokamo Douglas, 7. Tom Christie, 6. Tom Sanders, 5. Mitchell Dunshea, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 3. Oliver Jager, 2. Andrew Makalio, 1. George Bower<\/span>
\nReplacements: 16. Codie Taylor 17. Isi Tu’ungafasi 18. Michael Alaalatoa 19. Luke Romano 20. Cullen Grace 21. Bryn Hall 22. Brett Cameron 23. Sevu Reece.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nReplacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Chris Talakai, 19 Ryan Mccauley, 20 Jack Dempsey, 21 Carlo Tizzano, 22 Mitch Short, 23 Jack Maddocks<\/span><\/p>\n
\n@ Trafalgar Park<\/span>
\nReferee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)<\/span>
\nAssistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Dan Waenga (New Zealand)<\/span>
\nTMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"