All for one, one for all!

Super Rugby sponsor PlaceMakers puts the Crusaders in this month’s hot seat

You can learn a lot about teamwork from sport, so PlaceMakers held a Q+A session with the Crusaders. Read on to find out more.

In the absence of Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, who has stepped up to fill the leadership void? 

“A few of us have, including Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Ryan Crotty, Andy Ellis & myself.”
– Nemani Nadolo, winger (27 caps)

Who do you see as the biggest threat in the competition?

“It’s a cliché, but if we want to keep momentum then whoever we’re playing from week to week is our biggest threat.” – Tabai Matson, assistant coach

“For me it’s the Chiefs. They are playing exciting footy and know how to play the full 80 minutes. With the likes of Damien McKenzie, who is red hot at the moment, we have to watch out for them.” – Nemani Nadolo

What lasting effect have Dan and Richie had on the team’s culture?

“They’re two legends of the game that will go down as maybe our greatest ever players. What’s most important is that their humble behaviour and character didn’t change with the fame and fortune, which set a great example for everyone.”
– Tabai Matson

It’s unusual for the Crusaders to not be considered top contenders before a season starts. What effect did that have on the team’s prep?

“There is still this strong belief every year that we will work our way into contention, no matter what people think.”
– Tabai Matson

“Right from the beginning, you could feel that this year was a fresh start with new players coming through. The team has thrived off this. We have nothing to lose and, as weeks go by, we still have that same mentality.”
– Nemani Nadolo

In a team with some big names, how do you manage star players’ egos?

“Our environment is pretty harsh if you’re ego-centric or a megalomaniac, you don’t last very long!”
– Tabai Matson

“As Tabs said! So I can comfortably say there are no egos in the team. We have the philosophy of team first before an individual.”
– Nemani Nadolo

You’ve got a lot of young talent on the squad. How do you manage those players’ expectations as they develop?

“Us senior players keep talking and communicating with the younger players to help keep everything positive because it can be daunting coming into a team environment.”
– Nemani Nadolo

What strategies do you use to set goals and remain focused on those goals over time?

“The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today’s work exceptionally well. Nail today’s tasks and disciplines, keep your priorities simple, and repeat.”
– Tabai Matson