Surf helps Crusaders train Scott Robertson in Super Rugby 3-Peat plot

It's when he's surfing on the waves that Scott Robertson's mind is heading to creative places where he would not normally be.

But it is in these moments that the head coach Crusaders evokes the ideas that animate his team, the themes that his players are now waiting for this young man of 44 years.

It has worked the last two seasons. On Thursday, when most of the team will be at Rugby Park to begin preparatory training, Robertson will begin to incorporate his latest theme as he heads for three titles in as many years. since he's been succeeding Todd Blackadder.

"The old creative spirit is far from the old surfboard," Robertson said. "I did a few trips, I met very good people abroad, I probably had more confirmation of what we do and I gave some ideas to encourage these boys to do something. something special.

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"The boys are also waiting for it.The boys come in and expect Razor to think about a crazy little thing.I enjoy the expectation of that too.We have a lot of fun."

Themes usually stay in house. After winning their ninth title in August, Crusaders midfielder Ryan Crotty did not reveal what Robertson had concocted this year, but said he was "really special and motivated."

They play an important role in the culture of the team, which has been taken into account when the Crusaders were crowned Australasia's best team in the last twenty-five years, the result of a long study. from Gain Line Analytics.

The franchise based in Christchurch received $ 25,000 on Tuesday, which confirmed President Grant Jarrold, would aim to create a trust fund for the well-being and hardships of rugby players in the Crusaders region.

Robertson's challenge is now to plant his team's star seed for 2019, which includes only five new names, but includes a stack of All Blacks that will undoubtedly have the spirit of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

"How can I create an environment similar to the last few years that guys can appreciate and feel as if it's really refreshing?" Robertson said. "I think that's the big thing about rugby, these guys have to refuel, come in and re-energize, get in and do something special."

Robertson will be talking with All Blacks coach Steve Hansen next week to clarify his plans for the team's representatives, including when they will show up after the Christmas holidays.

As this year, they will have to play at least two Super Rugby games, although the All Blacks have asked Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock to miss the first four weeks of the season, a period including three New Zealand derbies.

"Listen, it's probably the best thing for Sam to do, we'll do what's right for him, he's had a huge workload over the course of several seasons, he's not long-term injury of his entire career, "Robertson said.

"It's tough and strong and probably deserves a good month, so that's what we expect."

Assistant coach Ronan O'Gara will return from Europe this weekend to join the franchise for a second season, which will allow him to be on deck for the two and a half weeks of training scheduled before the break festivals.

Shortly after the playoffs before pre-season games against the Hurricanes at Levin (Feb. 2) and the Highlanders at Southbridge (Feb. 8). Their first game is against the Blues at Eden Park on February 16th.