What about the Waikato Chiefs who won the super rugby title last year and are currently top of the Nz franchise table ? The Crusaders haven't won the super rugby title since 2008 when Mr Deans was in charge and have only appeared in one final since then. Actually forget about those two teams. I'm a biased Aucklander and the greatest side EVER is Auckland/ Blues who dominated NPC, Ranfurly shield and super rugby in the late 80s and 90s. Look at the rugby legends from that era -- Zinzan, Fitzy, Iceman Jones, Foxy, JK etc, I predict this Saturday for Auckland to take apart the Cheifs which will be the start of another mighty era -- just you wait and see ! Cheers Swoope
Definately swoope. The record in super rugby is exemplary. I woukdve like to see the crusaders play France the other week instead imseeibg the blues get caned,I feel the saders play a more test match style controlled rugby that coyldve done better v the French. I think some players like Moses tuialii headed down there in order to become all blacks,that says volumes about them as a club and organisation.
As a staunch Auckland and Blues supporter I would say 'yeah' but before Super Rugby I'd say that the Auckland NPC were the best. In 1992 the Irish nearly beat the All Blacks but Auckland put on 60 points against Ireland. I think the Blues of 1996 still would've beat the best Crusaders team.
Of course, they've consistently been one of the top Super Rugby sides, in a competition which is probably the highest quality in the world.
Without a doubt. Deans was a great coach there, he just couldn't transfer those skills to his Wallby coaching job. The Crusaders and the two big Irish sides, Leinster and Munster would be the top three provincial sides in world rugby (naturally after the Tahs).
