So, now to the rugby. With a disappointing end last season, the Crusaders will commence this season without seasoned campaigner Aaron Mauger and try scoring sensation Rico Gear. Chris Jacks dominance at Super level will be somewhat minimized by the insertion of his AB locking partner, Ali Williams. Again much has been made of Ali’s move south, and I can not wait until the round 11 clash on ANZAC day with the Blues, expecting some fireworks there no doubt.  The pressure and spotlight will be on Ali, given the controversial end to his Blues campaign, and the realization of talent that we all saw from him in the black jersey that many had been predicting for some time. I’m sure he will be fired up for a big year and I’m sure between him, Carter and Brett, the hair products will sell out in Christchurch.

The troops for the 2008 crusade are:
Richard McCaw (Canterbury), Tim Bateman (Canterbury), Stephen Brett (Canterbury), Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury), Andrew Ellis (Canterbury), Ross Filipo (Wellington), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), * Kahn Fotuali’i (Tasman), Ben Franks (Canterbury), * Hamish Gard (Canterbury), Scott Hamilton (Canterbury), Campbell Johnstone (Canterbury), Casey Laulala (Canterbury), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), * Sean Maitland (Canterbury), * Tavake (Nasi) Manu (Canterbury), Ti’i Paulo (Canterbury), Michael Paterson (Canterbury), * Kade Poki (Tasman), Caleb Ralph (Tasman), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Brad Thorn (Tasman), Reuben Thorne (Canterbury), Mose Tuiali’i (Canterbury), * George Whitelock (Canterbury), * Ali Williams (Tasman).
* denotes new Crusader.
Coaches: Robbie Deans, Mark Hammett.

Backs
Comfortable pre-season victory vs. the Canes gave the first decent hitout under the ELVs, but it came at a big cost with AB halfback Andy Ellis injured and ruled out for 6 weeks. With Senio gone the halfback stocks are inexperienced. Kahn Fotuali’I will be the likely starter come round 1, but youngster and former U19 NZ 1st 5, Steve Alfeld will probably come in from the wider training squad. It will be a steep learning curve for both youngsters, but as we saw last season with both Leonard and Matthewson, there will be opportunities to shine if you take them.

The Carter and Brett situation has many analysts puzzled, but I do think Deans will be hesitant to move Carter from the pocket unless things go dire. Both can play 10 or 12, but add to that Tim Bateman who is a 2nd 5 that Deans has shown faith in, plus Laulala and Ralph who have both played both midfield positions, I’m sure Deans has been trialling many combinations in practice. However I do not think we will see the same situation Henry created in that we had many options but no real combination. Deans is more likely to stick with a duo, show a bit of faith and let it ride until it really fails.

With Rico gone and Ralph more in the, ”I’m here for experience and composure should you need it Robbie”, the Saders are screaming out for some out and out pace on the wings. Young Maitland showed some quicks in the NPC and it will be interesting if Deans starts him and sticks with it. Hamilton is far from grease lightning but he has shown the ability to score tries. He had an off 2007, so he will be keen to get back in form and even push for a black jersey again. Rangi is still a good footballer and IMO did nothing wrong in the WC campaign to say that he’s past it. But where Deans plays the 30yo veteran will be interesting. Midfield is not out of the equation in my books, giving FABSH the opportunity to play his preferred position of fullback.

Forwards
The engine room will have some familiar faces, Flynn, Yoda, Ruben Thorne, Tuiali’i, and captain Richie McCaw. Crockett who IMO has shown a lot of promise will see that this is the biggest year of his career if he really wants to push for higher honors. A talent for sure, but can he stay injury free and will the Cartel like what they see? Johnstone will feature as a bench option and Paulo.

No doubt Ali Williams will play a key role under Deans tutelage, but who partners him will be the more intriguing question. There are lock/blindside options a plenty in Christchurch. The first preseason match saw Paterson start in the 6 jersey, Deans is probably looking for the youngster to up his work rate and ball skills. He is a lock in my book, but versatility will be key given the personnel around him. Filipo, an AB last year and deservedly so given the situation and his good S14 season will be keen to retain his starting lock position. Brad Thorn comes back into the mix for a final go at the real stuff, Ruben Thorne, who has finished many a game part of the tight 5 – all of those options and they are genuine options, will make for a competitive squad environment. Add Read to the mix as where Deans rates him will also impact the locks as well.

The McCaw/Tuiali’i combo I do not see broken up. Mose has immense talent, but its his consistency that has let him down and probably cost him being a regular AB squad member. I’m hoping we see the continuance of a more mature and consistent Mose in 2008.

The schedule:
ACT BRUMBIES   AMI Stadium
BULLS   Pretoria
STORMERS   Cape Town
WESTERN FORCE   Perth
CHEETAHS     AMI Stadium
NSW WARATAHS   AMI Stadium
HURRICANES   Wellington 
Week 8   BYE           
LIONS   AMI Stadium
CHIEFS   Hamilton 
BLUES   AMI Stadium
SHARKS   AMI Stadium
QUEENSLAND REDS   Brisbane
HIGHLANDERS   AMI Stadium

Not too bad, 7 home games including the Waratahs, Brumbies and Blues. Rounds 2,3,4 will be a good early test for the boys, but I think if we come out from that unscathed then the confidence will be sky high. Traditionally poorish starters but I’ve got the feeling not this year fullas. The mid year bye will help IMO.

Prediction: I’m not one to make predictions like log standings, but I do predict that the round 10 clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton will be a key game for us (it always seems to be - the Chiefs v Crusaders games - Bart)!

My likely 22
Crockett, Flynn, Yoda, Williams, Filipo, Thorne, McCaw, Tuiali’I, Fotuali’I (Ellis), Carter, Maitland, Brett, Laulala, FABSH, Rangi
Bench: Paulo, Johnstone, Paterson, Read, Alfeld (Fotuali’i), Bateman, Ralph/Poki