So hit were the Crusaders by injuries during their foundation season that veteran Marist first-five-eighths Greg Coffey was cajoled out of a three year representative retirement by coach Vance Stewart in order to lift the side. Prior to his return as a Crusader, Coffey had played 59 matches for Canterbury, contributing 665 points. The third player to be used by Stewart and his assistant coach Aussie McLean in the pivotal backline position in five matches, Coffey’s experienced hand instantly fortified the side as the Crusaders ground out an historic first ever Super rugby win, beating the Waratahs 21-16 in his debut match. Coffey, who was only 31 at the time, was one of 33 players employed in the foundation Crusade. The former school teacher has since got involved in coaching and is currently employed by the Sanyo club in Japan.