Crusaders : Serial Cheats
July 18, 2012 in Uncategorized
I read this very interesting Article on Stuff.co.nz , thought I’d share it :
Twelve months ago thousands of neutral rugby fans were backing the Crusaders.
After the horrors of the two earthquakes, we hoped Christchurch could derive some shreds of momentary joy from the performance of their rugby team. No more. Some of us now hope that any team but the Crusaders wins the Super Rugby.
Richie McCaw’s post-match eloquence and decency is in contrast to his coach’s one-eyed remarks and hides a multitude of sins. Too many of the Crusaders intimidate referees, take cheap shots at the opposition and serially cheat around the ruck and maul.
It is a cultural malaise that is presumably encouraged by the coaching staff and sets a terrible example to young players around the country.
Let’s deal with the intimidation of referees first, because this is a problem that is affecting all levels of rugby in the country. McCaw says far more than he should to referees and uses his status to influence games.
Too often the Crusaders are officiated by New Zealand refs who are clearly in awe of the man. Instead of telling McCaw to shut up, they hang on every word.
Bryce Lawrence, a ref who facilitated a Crusaders victory against the Reds earlier this season, is the worst offender.
Don’t take my word for it. Before the match against the Hurricanes Sean Fitzpatrick said: “Richie has had the wood on him [Lawrence]”.
This is a former All Blacks captain saying that McCaw has control of a referee. Michael Lynagh then added: “He [Lawrence] appears lenient towards the Crusaders.”
After the game Fitzpatrick said: “I thought they [the Canes] didn’t always get the rub of the green. I thought the referee was pretty harsh on them on a number of occasions, especially at the breakdown.”
Not according to Todd Blackadder. The Crusaders coach said after his team’s defeat: “There were two tries that shouldn’t have been awarded, for a start. These things they hurt you and they kill you.”
Even though in the opinion of many, including a former All Blacks captain, the ref favoured the Crusaders overall, Blackadder still gave him the bird.
The Crusaders work on referees as a group. Andy Ellis plays the nice cop, giving the refs a pat, trying to keep them onside. Kieran Read, like McCaw, uses his growing status to get at refs.
How often have we seen his look of wide-eyed amazement followed by a querying, some would say dissenting, shake of his head.
Against the Chiefs, Corey Flynn was warned by referee Steve Walsh for appealing too loudly. Ellis, of course, reacts to his team-mate’s rebuke by patting Walsh sympathetically.
He would have done better to have told his forwards to desist because Luke Romano then appealed for a crooked lineout throw and pumped his fist at the opposition after getting the decision. Charming.
Yet unlike the Crusaders, the Chiefs’ coaching staff didn’t whinge after the defeat. They could have justly pointed out that Romano’s try should have been disallowed because one of the Franks brothers was offside at the kick and, far from retreating, was actually trying to play the ball.
They could have pointed out that Sam Whitelock was off his feet when he drove Ellis over the line, despite Lyndon Bray’s very odd assertion to the contrary.
They could have asked why not one Crusaders player was binned as they serially cheated in the final, desperate two minutes. Ah, but you don’t bin Sir Richie.
The Chiefs could conclude from all this that intimidation of referees is something that works. How on earth did Vinny Munro award those two TMO tries against the Force at the weekend?
Nathan Sharpe was complimentary about the Crusaders afterwards, while wryly observing: “They scored four tries in the first half. Not sure how they got a couple of them but they did.”
When the points are added up at the end of the season, young, inexperienced, quiet sides like the Canes and the Brumbies lose out. You could even call them disciplined sides, but the lesson is that discipline doesn’t pay.
The Crusaders haven’t had the best of seasons, but they have controlled enough refs to start the playoffs at home. They shouldn’t even be there.
When junior players see the Crusaders prospering through verbal intimidation, is it any wonder that they imitate the country’s top players. Last week a Wairarapa ref retired after 20 years because he was fed up with the abuse.
“Enough is enough,” he said. “The union has to ensure that those who act outside the spirit of the game are held to account.”
They could start with the Crusaders. Apart from the intimidation of refs, Romano and the Franks brothers frequently hit late and dangerously. The Crusaders forwards are also the most cynical bunch at the tackle area.
When they have the ball, they hold and obstruct. When they are the tackler, they rarely roll away and if they do, it is towards the opposition halfback who they “accidentally” impede.
The home crowd don’t appear to care, so long as their team wins. Far too many booed the referee at the weekend when he quite correctly disallowed two tries, one for a grotesquely forward pass, the other when Adam Whitelock was in danger of getting to the tryline ahead of the ball, he was so far offside.
Despite plenty of individual brilliance and decency, the Crusaders have become an unappealing bunch. Maybe something decent died when Brad Thorn left.
Whatever the cause, I hope the Crusaders lose and come back next season with a proper respect for referees.
Original Article Written by Mark Reason
Andre F said on July 22, 2012
Just to give you a general idea how crooked NZRU and IRB panel of referees has become: 2011 World Cup, Bryce Lawrence deliberately blow for Australia so they can win the game, thus so NZ don’t have to play agenized SA in the semis…. This was the worst display of one sided and crooked refereeing you will see in your life time. But wait there’s more! Mr. Bryce Lawrence wins referee of the year award in NZ! WTF? Paddy O’ Brien refuses to take any action, Bryce is his NZ buddy. The All Blacks got away with murder at the beak down points in most of their games and even more so in the final, France was a much better team on the day. The whole world cup was staged and a complete farce, NZRU, the All Blacks and IRB are a bunch of crooked thief’s.
Aussiecrusader said on July 22, 2012
When we have South African refs for the finals who are you going to blame for losing against the Crusaders,the ball boys ? For a country who has players that bite and spectators that attack the ref on the field you may have to admit you are not as good as a country of only 4 million rugby lovers.Sean Fitzpatrick may accuse Richie McCaw of many things but Richie has never bitten him or anyone and he will receive a Knighthood simply because he is a better leader of men than Fitzpatrick ever was.
Hanjo said on July 23, 2012
where in this article did it mention anything about South African teams complaining. the author is a New Zealander, and the instances he mentions are mainly against other NZ teams or Aussie teams. ? – you mention the finals, where the Bulls lost, I only watched the first half due to a power outage, but I can assure you judging by the first 40min, no one but the Bulls players can be blamed for their below average performance
REM said on July 20, 2012
I will be honest and say that had I been a ref and the bliksems cheat I would penalize them.
Look, for me it makes no sense for a ref to be scared out of his mind…if he does what he is supposed to do.If Peyper penalize them tomorrow for impeding, hands, or anything worthy and Paddy want’s to shit in his pants…Paddy needs to remember that sooner or later his sins will catch up with him..
On the subject of Paddy, I love the chapter about his meeting with Peter de Villiers….imagine a klein mannetjie met n skril stem wat hom kak vertel toe hulle vir die eerste keer ontmoet..classic
Met uysh said on July 20, 2012
is jy al klaar met daai boek REM? Ek wil hom nog lees!
Met uysh said on July 20, 2012
Tony T #430 11:26 am Jul 18 2012
Some (not all) valid points, but I have to say not exactly articulated that well.
Mark, what you consistently fail week after week to realise that here in New Zealand – there is no other sport than rugby. The rugby knuckleheads literally live in a bubble of their own making, happy in their belief that the sport is a global phenomenon and the All Blacks are a brand as recognised globally as Man U, The Dallas Cowboys, or The LA Lakers.
To criticise the Captain of the All Blacks in a country where he is considered akin to the Second Coming of Christ is tantamount to Treason. Lets not forget that within minutes of the All Blacks winning the RWC, there were calls for Ritchie to get a Knighthood (a slap in the face for the rest of the team!). Then, is it any wonder then that a Referee faced by the Capt of the Crusaders (who is also the Capt of the All Blacks – who is also considered a Demi God by most Kiwis) may feel intimidated?
Do not get me wrong – it is absolutely the job of a team’s Captain to query questionable calls by a Ref. Note I said ‘questionable’ calls. It should also be stated that ONLY the Capt should query the Ref – nowadays the Ref is frequently besieged by half the team getting in his face.
It will be one hell of a brave Ref to call out God Ritchie. Instantly becoming the most hated man in New Zealand he will never be able to referee a game in NZ again (for his own safety).
Hanjo said on July 20, 2012
that’s pretty funny. and very accurate!
Met uysh said on July 20, 2012
Love the comments ont he original article as well. In particular this one which describes the exact problem and mentality of some All Black supporters:
Two Cents said on July 19, 2012
Ja, cheat like its going out of fashion. The offside rule and slowing down the ball at the ruck are their strong points.
I enjoyed Sharps’ comment in the second half when he asked the ref if they could also get a ‘cheapie’, when their ball was called to be held up, insinuating the crusaders’ two tmo’s were not really tries.
Hanjo said on July 19, 2012
and they weren’t tries , to be fair. The only thing I don’t get is how they get away with it, constantly. – surely if people around the world (even in NZ) are aware of their cheating, referees should be in the know, and perhaps being in awe of the Crusaders has left referees spineless. I fear there is no real solution here.
gillbert said on July 19, 2012
Remember when Victor Matfield asked the ref, if Richi was “Gods gift to rugby”. I think that was also in 2010
Hanjo said on July 19, 2012
I don’t recall it, but valid question though.
Met uysh said on July 19, 2012
I remember last year Nonu asking something similar from a ref about SBW….
Hanjo said on July 20, 2012
I remember Nonu asking the ref if he wasn’t allowed to tackle Carter after he was penalized for a late tackle. was rather funny.
Met uysh said on July 20, 2012
Oh ja, it was Carter! Hahaha it was hilarious!
Phil said on July 19, 2012
Man that look on McCaw’s face says it all – ” That’s 3 steals you didn’t see Nah Nah!”
Hanjo said on July 19, 2012
haha…why McCaw gets the love and respect that he does , is beyond me
Powa said on July 19, 2012
I also don’t like it that the Saders get away with murder and I’m loath to admit it’s mainly because they usually beat us. If they were an SA side I would probably sing their praises
I just hate losing 
Hanjo said on July 19, 2012
Powa, no offence, but the Crusaders’ cheating is something I wouldn’t condone, even in a Stormers jersey, that’s the same reason why I don’t like Elstadt as a player, he has no regard for the laws.
Powa said on July 19, 2012
I don’t condone cheating either but is it cheating or pushing the boundaries of what is allowed. Kids do the same thing with parents, they will push the boundary until stopped by the parents. The refs are at fault for not taking action to stop it.
Hanjo said on July 19, 2012
Hi Powa, while I completely agree with you on the refs being at fault. I do believe players know the laws of the game, and doing something you know is illegal goes against the spirit of the game, imho.
Caleb said on July 19, 2012
Oh please, SA is WORLD REKNOWN for their dirty play of the decades past, hypocrisy at its best.
Met uysh said on July 20, 2012
Really @Caleb? Tell me, how many South Africans have been cited or carded for punching in the SR this year? Hmmm?
Hanjo said on July 20, 2012
@Caleb, there is a difference between having players like Bakkies Botha, who loved picking up yellow cards by pushing the boundaries, and having a player like McCaw who gets away with it, even more so having a whole pack of forwards always offside at the breakdowns, infringing opposition players, and conning the ref…I’ve never seen this from any SA team.
Met uysh said on July 19, 2012
Excellent article and very accurate! McCaw gets away with murder all the time at the rucks and even if he gets penalised 10 times he doesn’t get a yellow card, remember 2010′s tri nations?
I can admire the talent the Crusaders have in their side, players like Dagg, Maitland, Freuen, Read. But their approach to the game makes me despise them.
Hanjo said on July 19, 2012
Hi Uysh, yes, I also despise their blatant cheating. – but you’ve got to put blame on the refs, as this wouldn’t have been possible if they didn’t constantly get away with it
Met uysh said on July 19, 2012
And if the Refs do Act, they get crapped on by Paddy O Brien and co. Remember how Stu was lambasted because he penalised Richie last year? Sorry, but when it comes to the Saders and McCaw and All Blacks, the referees just have to do as they are told if they love their careers.
Hanjo said on July 19, 2012
very good point you make there Uysh, someone at the top, is without a doubt a Crusaders & All Blacks supporter, and a huge McCaw fan… so I guess no point in looking for a solution
Clive said on July 18, 2012
Mark, you obviously don’t want to acknowledge how good the mighty CRUSADERS are! Stop whining & leave the CRUSADERS alone! They are the best Super Rugby team that has won the title more times than any other franchise! KIA KAHA!!! Go CRUSADERS GO!!!!!
Hanjo said on July 19, 2012
Hi Clive, I’ve just shared this article, any comments addressed to Mark will have to be posted on the original article, however. I do think what is said in the article is very true, the Crusaders have no regard for the laws and this surely isn’t in the spirit of the game. – it also sets a bad example. nothing to be proud of.
Caleb said on July 19, 2012
This blog is so one eyed its unbelievable. Just because one oke in Nz has a gripe against the Crusaders, it does not mean it is so. I am an avid Blues supporter (unfortunately), and all i read on SA articles is a bunch of whingers looking for any article or any excuse to bag the Crusaders or the All Blacks. Honestly i do not know of a more bitter country than SA. Its quite disgraceful how you pick up on one article and cling to it with dear life.
Hanjo said on July 20, 2012
Hi Caleb, I agree completely that just because one NZ bloke feels the Crusaders are cheaters, that it doesn’t make it fact, I also agree that SA is usually a bitter country and people love to whine, and always seem to blame the referee. however, having watched about 50% of the Crusaders matches over the past two seasons, I do agree with the author that at the breakdown there is constant deliberate offsides and illegal infringements. And I have seen referees give McCaw the benefit of the doubt too often, call it coincidence if you want, we all have our opinions. personally I just feel they push the boundaries too often, and get away with it all the time, something I’m not sure we should encourage in rugby.
Met uysh said on July 20, 2012
“cling to it with dear life”
BWaahahahahahaaaaahahaaaa!!!!!
Shame, your obvious bias is blinding you! If you cannot see how McCaw habitualy gets away with murder at the breakdowns along with the gang attacks of the Saders forwards on players not even part of the rucks, you are blind! Take of them blinkers and see it what its for!
Met uysh said on July 20, 2012
I actually think Mark did point out and acknowlegded in no uncertain terms how good the Crusaders are…at cheating! Hahahahaha!