We’ve got our South African tour off to the best possible start with a victory over the Sharks in Durban – now for the Cheetahs and Lions.

It was a courageous effort from the boys at Absa Stadium – our defence was simply outstanding and that commitment and desperation to get back and make those scrambling tackles isn’t something you can teach. It has to come from within and the boys have shown they’ve got what it takes.

For captain Richie McCaw to come back after five weeks out with a knee injury and turn in a man-of-the-match performance is typical of him and proves what a special player he is. The boys all followed his example and he proved a real inspiration.

Halfback Andy Ellis also made a big difference after missing our win over the Bulls at AMI Stadium two weeks ago. He really adds a spark and is so important to our play.

I must say it isn’t easy being a coach and enduring these tight finishes! We have won five matches this season and our biggest margin was six points against the Chiefs first up (19-13).

We have also beaten the Waratahs 17-13, the Stormers 11-7, the Bulls 16-13 and now the Sharks 13-10.

My hair is getting even greyer and I haven’t got too many finger nails left, but we’ve shown we can close out the tight ones. This mental toughness and self belief will serve us well as we get to the business end of the competition.

Nothing has come easy for us this season but it has brought the squad closer and we’re in great heart.

This is a big week for us. Now we have to re-focus and concentrate on getting a result against the Cheetahs. They are so tough to beat at Bloemfontein – they showed that by upsetting the Sharks a couple of weeks ago.

We’re going to have to be on top of our game for this one before we look at the Lions in Johannesburg a week later. They’ve just come off a great win against the Reds in Brisbane. As I’ve said before, there are no easy games in the Rebel Sport Super 14.

Thanks for all your support.

Todd Blackadder
Crusaders Head Coach