Crusaders Coach Apologizes After Dismal Loss
Following his team’s dismal performance on Saturday night in Dunedin, Crusaders coach Rob Penney felt compelled to issue a heartfelt apology to all.
Record Loss for Crusaders
Their 32-29 point loss to the Highlanders says it all for me. It was their ninth in 11 matches in 2024 – one more than the previous record of eight they suffered in their first season in 1996.
Defensive Woes Plague Crusaders
Their title-winning run was built on the back of stout defence, which couldn’t be further from the flimsy offering the Highlanders repeatedly knifed open with ease in the first half.
Referee Decisions Add to Crusaders’ Woes
The Crusaders also got on the wrong side of Australian referee Angus Gardner, who pinged them nine times in the first half alone, many of them needless offsides infringements. This is not the first game of rugby for these players. They are paid professionals. With the ball in play for approximately 27 minutes in the half, they were offside every three minutes. Even club rugby players don’t make those errors.
Narrow Playoff Hopes for Crusaders
The Crusaders are holding onto the 11th spot on the ladder post-loss. Despite still having a chance at the playoffs, the path forward has grown notably narrower.
Injury Woes Continue for Crusaders
Crusaders captain Scott Barrett was sidelined from Saturday’s game due to a back problem. Coach Penney stated that Barrett is unlikely to be fit for the upcoming match against the third-placed Brumbies in Canberra next Saturday.
Tough Road Ahead for Crusaders
They then finish their season by hosting the Blues , and Moana Pasifika, who are level on points with them, but sit in 10th place by virtue of their extra win.
Well they won’t beat the Brumbies, they won’t beat the Blues, and even Moana will test them out.
Fijian Drua Hold Precarious Position
The Fijian Drua currently hold the eighth position with 17 points, ahead by two points from the ninth-placed Western Force, three points from both the Crusaders and Moana Pasifika, and five points clear of the bottom-placed Waratahs.
Playoff Chances for Other Teams
The Highlanders, in seventh on 23 points after Saturday’s win, and the Rebels, in sixth on 25 points, will feel more secure in their playoff chances, but also remain vulnerable to the chasing pack.
Calls for Change in Crusaders Leadership
This position is a disgrace to a once proud and feared rugby side. All their fans around the world deserve better.
Seven times Super Rugby Champions to losers in one year.
Penney who now has a 7-23 record in Super Rugby, having previously gone 5-14 across a season and a bit with the Waratahs.
Demand for Change Grows
An apology does not cut it, A resignation would sound better.
TO THE BOARD. Nothing is going to change under this coach, so make the hard decisions NOW, and send him packing back to club rugby. He is not up to Super Rugby standard. Never was.
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