1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,547 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport Podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,747 Speaker 1: from Newstalk ZB. 3 00:00:12,747 --> 00:00:16,107 Speaker 2: Crusader CEO Colin Manbridge, Mansbridge has made some time for us. 4 00:00:16,347 --> 00:00:19,627 Speaker 2: Thanks for doing so, Colin. Happy Easter twenty twenty five 5 00:00:19,707 --> 00:00:22,227 Speaker 2: certainly having a lot better than twenty twenty four did 6 00:00:22,267 --> 00:00:24,867 Speaker 2: on the field. Actually, let's start in twenty twenty four 7 00:00:24,987 --> 00:00:27,307 Speaker 2: or the end of it. How much pressure were you 8 00:00:27,427 --> 00:00:31,467 Speaker 2: under as an organization after a poor twenty twenty four 9 00:00:31,547 --> 00:00:33,387 Speaker 2: by your own very high standards. 10 00:00:34,307 --> 00:00:37,627 Speaker 3: Probably not as much externally, Sorry, internally is what it 11 00:00:37,707 --> 00:00:42,267 Speaker 3: felt like. Externally you feel the pressure, but inside the 12 00:00:42,387 --> 00:00:46,867 Speaker 3: environment in terms of you know, coach relationship with staff, 13 00:00:47,267 --> 00:00:52,627 Speaker 3: management relationship with staff, how people were feeling about the place, motivation, 14 00:00:53,067 --> 00:00:55,587 Speaker 3: desire to get out and be better for all those things. 15 00:00:56,067 --> 00:00:58,107 Speaker 3: They were really strong through the season. Yeah, we had 16 00:00:58,147 --> 00:01:00,827 Speaker 3: a bumpy road, but they're really strong in our reviews. 17 00:01:00,867 --> 00:01:05,227 Speaker 3: Supported carrying on with the group, and we're really pleased 18 00:01:05,747 --> 00:01:07,987 Speaker 3: about the way responded and the things that we put 19 00:01:08,027 --> 00:01:11,507 Speaker 3: into from their review into the season. They tend to 20 00:01:11,587 --> 00:01:12,467 Speaker 3: landed reasonly well. 21 00:01:12,627 --> 00:01:16,947 Speaker 2: Yeah, absolutely right. The Crusaders fan base, probably more than 22 00:01:16,947 --> 00:01:20,867 Speaker 2: any other, fairly vocal when things aren't going, well, how 23 00:01:20,907 --> 00:01:24,667 Speaker 2: did you and do you block out what's unhelpful, but 24 00:01:24,747 --> 00:01:27,467 Speaker 2: also embrace the fact that people really care about this team. 25 00:01:28,347 --> 00:01:32,027 Speaker 3: You just said it, they're piney, maybe we should get 26 00:01:32,027 --> 00:01:37,547 Speaker 3: you in atout that the sports psychologists mate, because that's 27 00:01:37,587 --> 00:01:40,027 Speaker 3: what you do. You reframe it and you go, why 28 00:01:40,027 --> 00:01:44,987 Speaker 3: are people so passionate and so committed? And one of 29 00:01:44,987 --> 00:01:47,107 Speaker 3: them they love the thing, so of course they're going 30 00:01:47,187 --> 00:01:50,347 Speaker 3: to aser you their opinions, and it's a privilege to 31 00:01:50,387 --> 00:01:54,067 Speaker 3: receive them. Now some you know that in any population 32 00:01:54,227 --> 00:01:59,187 Speaker 3: there is a minority of people who are not that pleasant. 33 00:01:59,627 --> 00:02:03,747 Speaker 3: There are unpleasant people, but generally speaking, people are passionate 34 00:02:04,227 --> 00:02:08,587 Speaker 3: and they feel a great thing of ownership, an investment 35 00:02:08,627 --> 00:02:13,147 Speaker 3: in the game and the club, and so naturally, you know, 36 00:02:13,147 --> 00:02:15,147 Speaker 3: it's a privilege to be able to get their feedback. 37 00:02:16,147 --> 00:02:18,587 Speaker 3: Sometimes a privilege comes a little bit of pain, but 38 00:02:18,907 --> 00:02:21,747 Speaker 3: it's a privilege. And then you just keep reframing it 39 00:02:21,827 --> 00:02:25,347 Speaker 3: like that and then enjoy the good times when they're there, 40 00:02:25,387 --> 00:02:29,627 Speaker 3: and see what you can pick out of the feedback 41 00:02:30,107 --> 00:02:33,307 Speaker 3: when things don't so good, and is there anything that's 42 00:02:33,347 --> 00:02:38,347 Speaker 3: helpful and can make you be better, and then just yeah, 43 00:02:38,387 --> 00:02:38,907 Speaker 3: treat it as. 44 00:02:38,787 --> 00:02:41,547 Speaker 2: A privilege, fantastic approach to it, just before we move 45 00:02:41,587 --> 00:02:43,707 Speaker 2: on and look at this year, and in fact it's 46 00:02:43,707 --> 00:02:47,747 Speaker 2: probably relevant to this year or any sponsors and commercial partners. 47 00:02:47,787 --> 00:02:51,547 Speaker 2: Do they get a little restless when results aren't going 48 00:02:51,627 --> 00:02:52,307 Speaker 2: quite so well? 49 00:02:53,107 --> 00:02:59,427 Speaker 3: Surprisingly not, it's I think I think partners do want 50 00:02:59,427 --> 00:03:03,587 Speaker 3: to be connected with a good environment and a good 51 00:03:03,627 --> 00:03:06,347 Speaker 3: club and good people. You put those things to get 52 00:03:06,587 --> 00:03:09,027 Speaker 3: and you're probably going to get reasonable results. But it 53 00:03:09,107 --> 00:03:15,027 Speaker 3: was surprising how supportive our our group of partners were 54 00:03:15,067 --> 00:03:16,907 Speaker 3: all through last year. You know, I was keeping them 55 00:03:16,907 --> 00:03:19,427 Speaker 3: informed of some of the things we were trying to 56 00:03:19,467 --> 00:03:24,347 Speaker 3: do internally to support the team on the field, and 57 00:03:24,547 --> 00:03:27,907 Speaker 3: the amount of feedback that we got. And we've just 58 00:03:27,947 --> 00:03:32,507 Speaker 3: brought a Callerbar Capital Investments onto our front of Jersey 59 00:03:33,147 --> 00:03:37,627 Speaker 3: and you know, Chris from Calabar was one of those 60 00:03:37,667 --> 00:03:40,627 Speaker 3: people who look, mate, we've got your back, we know 61 00:03:40,707 --> 00:03:42,787 Speaker 3: what you're doing, we believe in where you're going and 62 00:03:42,827 --> 00:03:44,627 Speaker 3: we're with you. So I think it's a little bit 63 00:03:44,707 --> 00:03:48,147 Speaker 3: like staff and players and management. If you if you 64 00:03:48,227 --> 00:03:50,667 Speaker 3: believe in what you're doing and why you're trying to 65 00:03:50,667 --> 00:03:53,467 Speaker 3: do it, and they've got confidence in you that then 66 00:03:53,747 --> 00:03:57,267 Speaker 3: they will forget us probably the wrong word, but they'll 67 00:03:57,267 --> 00:04:00,307 Speaker 3: accept some up and downs because it's you know, this 68 00:04:00,387 --> 00:04:04,667 Speaker 3: is a brutal sport, as most sports, and you only 69 00:04:04,667 --> 00:04:08,787 Speaker 3: have to talk to a Rory McElroy, you know, and 70 00:04:08,827 --> 00:04:10,907 Speaker 3: what he'll be like if he goes out for the 71 00:04:10,907 --> 00:04:12,787 Speaker 3: next major and it's not quite as good as this one. 72 00:04:12,907 --> 00:04:16,827 Speaker 3: It'll be a short lived celebration and it'll be brutal. 73 00:04:16,867 --> 00:04:18,947 Speaker 3: But you've got to enjoy the months when they're up, 74 00:04:18,987 --> 00:04:21,947 Speaker 3: and I think our partners get that. They also get 75 00:04:21,987 --> 00:04:23,587 Speaker 3: out of the value out of the relationship with us 76 00:04:23,587 --> 00:04:26,107 Speaker 3: as well, so you reach and engagement is important to 77 00:04:26,107 --> 00:04:26,707 Speaker 3: them as well. 78 00:04:26,747 --> 00:04:30,427 Speaker 2: Of course, what's your evaluation, Colin, of where Super Rugby 79 00:04:30,587 --> 00:04:33,187 Speaker 2: is right now? Not necessarily with a Crusader's leans on this, 80 00:04:33,307 --> 00:04:36,667 Speaker 2: but but the Super Rugby Pacific competition as a whole. 81 00:04:36,707 --> 00:04:40,987 Speaker 2: What's your evaluation of how it's been in twenty twenty five. 82 00:04:42,787 --> 00:04:47,147 Speaker 3: I think the good thing is chack Nessley, the CEO 83 00:04:47,467 --> 00:04:51,267 Speaker 3: and the commission board now has had more than twelve 84 00:04:51,267 --> 00:04:54,467 Speaker 3: months under their belt and so what you're seeing I 85 00:04:54,467 --> 00:04:58,507 Speaker 3: think this year is much better alignment of clubs of 86 00:04:58,547 --> 00:05:03,387 Speaker 3: the two or three national unions and you've got some 87 00:05:03,467 --> 00:05:07,507 Speaker 3: really strong leadership coming from the comp manifesting on field 88 00:05:07,587 --> 00:05:11,427 Speaker 3: in terms of better connection and alignment with the officials. 89 00:05:11,427 --> 00:05:15,947 Speaker 3: For example, So you've got these amazing officials doing such 90 00:05:15,987 --> 00:05:18,147 Speaker 3: a good job on the paddock, and it's not perfect 91 00:05:18,547 --> 00:05:22,147 Speaker 3: because the fast you get them to run, the quickie 92 00:05:22,147 --> 00:05:25,947 Speaker 3: get them to work. You know, sometimes put that impacts 93 00:05:26,587 --> 00:05:31,947 Speaker 3: the ability for perfection, and so you know, it can 94 00:05:32,027 --> 00:05:33,987 Speaker 3: be a bit challenging. You know, on the one hand, 95 00:05:34,027 --> 00:05:37,387 Speaker 3: you want a fast, flowing, exciting, interesting game with the 96 00:05:37,427 --> 00:05:39,907 Speaker 3: results are close. On the other hand, you want it 97 00:05:39,947 --> 00:05:42,587 Speaker 3: to be one hundred percent accurate, and those things are 98 00:05:42,667 --> 00:05:46,147 Speaker 3: probably either end of a spectrum, and so having officials 99 00:05:46,227 --> 00:05:49,467 Speaker 3: run that line is quite challenging. And I've been really 100 00:05:49,787 --> 00:05:53,187 Speaker 3: really impressed with the way the officials have conducted themselves 101 00:05:53,267 --> 00:05:56,867 Speaker 3: and brought into the competition. And you're seeing that in 102 00:05:56,947 --> 00:05:59,707 Speaker 3: things like and how long is the game taking to run? 103 00:06:00,067 --> 00:06:04,227 Speaker 3: What are the running meters? You know, how many tries 104 00:06:04,267 --> 00:06:07,147 Speaker 3: are being scored, how much jeopardy the appears to be 105 00:06:07,187 --> 00:06:11,147 Speaker 3: in the competition. That's probably other factors involved in that. Yeah, 106 00:06:11,187 --> 00:06:14,187 Speaker 3: So I think it's in great shape in terms of 107 00:06:14,267 --> 00:06:18,067 Speaker 3: viewership and support. It's an excellent shape We still haven't 108 00:06:18,147 --> 00:06:21,347 Speaker 3: quite converted to bums on seats in every venue at 109 00:06:21,347 --> 00:06:24,707 Speaker 3: the moment, but even there are somewhat in a lot 110 00:06:24,787 --> 00:06:27,547 Speaker 3: of venues. I know, the Warrior Cup in particular, are 111 00:06:27,627 --> 00:06:29,427 Speaker 3: enjoying a bit of a stellar run in terms of 112 00:06:29,627 --> 00:06:32,947 Speaker 3: bums and seats, and we're doing better this year than 113 00:06:32,947 --> 00:06:35,427 Speaker 3: we did last year. And we've always tended to have 114 00:06:35,507 --> 00:06:37,947 Speaker 3: a reasonably full stadium. And then you've got to put 115 00:06:37,947 --> 00:06:40,627 Speaker 3: somewhere like the Blues at Eden Park. You know, there's 116 00:06:40,707 --> 00:06:43,867 Speaker 3: often a lot of comparisons to other venues, but a 117 00:06:43,947 --> 00:06:46,787 Speaker 3: crowd at Eden Park. If you lifted and shifted that 118 00:06:46,907 --> 00:06:49,947 Speaker 3: and plumped them into other venues around the country where 119 00:06:49,947 --> 00:06:53,587 Speaker 3: people celebrate attendance, you'd be going, well, that place is full. 120 00:06:53,667 --> 00:06:56,267 Speaker 3: So I think you just got to keep that context 121 00:06:56,267 --> 00:06:59,147 Speaker 3: in mind when you're looking at bums and seats as well. Well. 122 00:06:59,187 --> 00:07:02,507 Speaker 2: Speaking of venues and bums on seats, new ones a 123 00:07:02,627 --> 00:07:04,547 Speaker 2: year or so from now, how much are you looking 124 00:07:04,587 --> 00:07:06,907 Speaker 2: forward to getting into your new stadium in twenty twenty six. 125 00:07:08,307 --> 00:07:11,387 Speaker 3: It's interesting as you ask the question. The pretels on 126 00:07:11,427 --> 00:07:13,627 Speaker 3: the back of the neche that started to go up again. 127 00:07:14,787 --> 00:07:18,027 Speaker 3: It's piney. It's just like that mate. Right at the moment, 128 00:07:19,227 --> 00:07:22,067 Speaker 3: you know, I'm almost brought to tears just the excitement. 129 00:07:23,067 --> 00:07:27,347 Speaker 3: It's just unbelievable. I was talking to Caroline Harvey Cheer, 130 00:07:27,347 --> 00:07:29,707 Speaker 3: who's the CEO of Venues or Ta Tahi, just about 131 00:07:29,747 --> 00:07:32,467 Speaker 3: planning again this morning for another half hour, and I'll 132 00:07:32,467 --> 00:07:36,107 Speaker 3: get off that call and see if I had boots 133 00:07:36,307 --> 00:07:38,547 Speaker 3: and the turf was down, I'd be down there. I'm 134 00:07:38,587 --> 00:07:40,947 Speaker 3: that motivated, and I think that's the way the organization 135 00:07:41,027 --> 00:07:43,947 Speaker 3: feels about it. It's so exciting, and it's such an 136 00:07:43,947 --> 00:07:47,627 Speaker 3: amazing venue. You sit, you sit one side of that 137 00:07:47,707 --> 00:07:49,787 Speaker 3: venue and you look across to the other side, and 138 00:07:49,827 --> 00:07:52,827 Speaker 3: I reckon, you'll be able to see cracks and facial 139 00:07:52,867 --> 00:07:56,707 Speaker 3: features and people on the other side. And I reckon, 140 00:07:56,747 --> 00:08:00,107 Speaker 3: if you're sitting there, you know a couple of rows 141 00:08:00,147 --> 00:08:02,707 Speaker 3: back your feet that you're in the game. You're that 142 00:08:02,827 --> 00:08:05,267 Speaker 3: close to it. It's just a man, it's an amazing venue. 143 00:08:05,307 --> 00:08:08,307 Speaker 2: Now, well, I'm getting a Now I'm not even a cantamporary, 144 00:08:08,347 --> 00:08:10,227 Speaker 2: and I'm getting excited about getting down there for a 145 00:08:10,267 --> 00:08:11,227 Speaker 2: game next year. 146 00:08:11,067 --> 00:08:11,827 Speaker 1: At some start. 147 00:08:12,627 --> 00:08:15,347 Speaker 2: Hey, one, just one final question about a specific player. 148 00:08:15,387 --> 00:08:18,187 Speaker 2: Ri Tim Warnger sounds like you'll be back mid next year, 149 00:08:18,227 --> 00:08:21,227 Speaker 2: which will be post Super Rugby. But do you feel 150 00:08:21,267 --> 00:08:23,347 Speaker 2: like you'll be in pole position to get his services 151 00:08:23,347 --> 00:08:25,067 Speaker 2: for Super Rugby in twenty twenty seven? 152 00:08:27,067 --> 00:08:30,307 Speaker 3: I think that this is his club. You know, if 153 00:08:30,347 --> 00:08:35,267 Speaker 3: you ask Richie, where is he most a home? Who 154 00:08:35,267 --> 00:08:38,027 Speaker 3: are the people he loves most? You think I'm doing 155 00:08:38,027 --> 00:08:39,587 Speaker 3: a cell job on him right now? Don't you know? 156 00:08:40,547 --> 00:08:42,867 Speaker 3: Who are the people? Who are the people he loves most? 157 00:08:43,547 --> 00:08:46,467 Speaker 3: Where is he care about the most? And who's he 158 00:08:46,467 --> 00:08:51,067 Speaker 3: played one hundred games for and all those things. You know, 159 00:08:51,267 --> 00:08:53,347 Speaker 3: you'd hope that this is too dung a whi way 160 00:08:53,427 --> 00:08:57,707 Speaker 3: in the place where he is as best and feels 161 00:08:57,707 --> 00:09:00,827 Speaker 3: most at home. Now in terms of do you take 162 00:09:00,867 --> 00:09:03,427 Speaker 3: that for granted? Note do you want do you want 163 00:09:03,427 --> 00:09:06,307 Speaker 3: to make sure that the guy you know, a guy 164 00:09:06,507 --> 00:09:10,227 Speaker 3: his quality and clasps it feels like they can come home. Absolutely, 165 00:09:10,347 --> 00:09:15,107 Speaker 3: So it's a bit like Lester, you know, back next year. 166 00:09:16,947 --> 00:09:20,747 Speaker 3: You know, Ryan Crotti came back to the place. You know, 167 00:09:21,027 --> 00:09:24,307 Speaker 3: we do like this to be a place where he hides, 168 00:09:24,467 --> 00:09:27,347 Speaker 3: a place where people feel at his home and they 169 00:09:27,387 --> 00:09:29,587 Speaker 3: want to come back to. And we'll do everything in 170 00:09:29,627 --> 00:09:31,267 Speaker 3: out power to make sure that happens. 171 00:09:31,307 --> 00:09:33,627 Speaker 2: Fantastic, hey Colin. Great to get the couch us to 172 00:09:33,667 --> 00:09:35,707 Speaker 2: catch up all the best for the back end of 173 00:09:35,787 --> 00:09:38,227 Speaker 2: twenty twenty five and into the playoffs as well. And yeah, 174 00:09:38,267 --> 00:09:39,587 Speaker 2: I can't wait to get down and see that new 175 00:09:39,627 --> 00:09:40,747 Speaker 2: stadium of yours next year. 176 00:09:41,827 --> 00:09:44,507 Speaker 3: I can't wait to have you down there, poney. And yeah, 177 00:09:44,547 --> 00:09:46,107 Speaker 3: thanks very much for the time, mate. 178 00:09:45,867 --> 00:09:48,947 Speaker 2: No, thank you for yours, Colin, Colin Mansbridge, CEO, There 179 00:09:49,507 --> 00:09:50,827 Speaker 2: of the Crusaders. 180 00:09:51,347 --> 00:09:54,507 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 181 00:09:54,627 --> 00:09:57,907 Speaker 1: to News Talk z B weekends from midday, or follow 182 00:09:57,947 --> 00:09:59,507 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.