1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,387 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,907 Speaker 1: from News Talks EDB. 3 00:00:12,987 --> 00:00:16,427 Speaker 2: Highlanders Crusaders to kick us off Friday night in duned 4 00:00:16,467 --> 00:00:19,227 Speaker 2: and across the weekend we're gonna check in with all 5 00:00:19,347 --> 00:00:23,627 Speaker 2: six of the New Zealand based Super Rugby franchises. That's 6 00:00:23,627 --> 00:00:26,267 Speaker 2: this weekend, Hurricanes, Chiefs and Highlanders. 7 00:00:26,307 --> 00:00:26,787 Speaker 3: Tomorrow. 8 00:00:27,027 --> 00:00:30,187 Speaker 2: Hurricanes and Chiefs have just kicked off their final preseason 9 00:00:30,227 --> 00:00:32,667 Speaker 2: game at Jerry Collins Stadium and Potty Tour, so it'll 10 00:00:32,707 --> 00:00:35,387 Speaker 2: be interesting to see how they come through that. So Hurricanes, Chiefs, 11 00:00:35,427 --> 00:00:38,827 Speaker 2: Highlander is tomorrow, the Blues and MAWAA Pacifica to come 12 00:00:38,987 --> 00:00:41,987 Speaker 2: this afternoon. But it's only right, I think to start 13 00:00:42,067 --> 00:00:47,267 Speaker 2: with the defending champions. 14 00:00:47,547 --> 00:00:53,627 Speaker 3: Paston boats to the Crusaders have done it. 15 00:00:53,867 --> 00:00:58,387 Speaker 4: The redemption arcis to please the rol Penny side. 16 00:00:59,307 --> 00:01:06,667 Speaker 3: The Crusaders return to Cooker. But what the final sixteen points? 17 00:01:07,267 --> 00:01:09,427 Speaker 2: Yeah, that was the final and twenty twenty five with 18 00:01:09,507 --> 00:01:13,147 Speaker 2: the Crusaders beating the Chiefs. As mentioned, the Crusaders play 19 00:01:13,227 --> 00:01:16,227 Speaker 2: the twenty twenty six season opener on Friday night under 20 00:01:16,267 --> 00:01:19,307 Speaker 2: the roof in Dunedin against the Heighthlanders. Crusader's head coaches 21 00:01:19,387 --> 00:01:21,627 Speaker 2: Rob Penny, who joins us now. Rob, thanks for taking 22 00:01:21,627 --> 00:01:25,987 Speaker 2: the time. You come into twenty twenty six as defending champions. 23 00:01:26,227 --> 00:01:29,107 Speaker 2: This time last year, you'd come off a season where 24 00:01:29,147 --> 00:01:32,067 Speaker 2: you missed the playoffs all together in your first year 25 00:01:32,467 --> 00:01:35,547 Speaker 2: as Crusader's head coach. So how different do you feel 26 00:01:35,587 --> 00:01:38,547 Speaker 2: now compared to the way you felt a year ago? 27 00:01:40,667 --> 00:01:42,867 Speaker 4: No, not too different at all. Really, the reality is 28 00:01:42,987 --> 00:01:47,747 Speaker 4: start again, got new group. You know we've got you know, 29 00:01:48,227 --> 00:01:51,667 Speaker 4: we've built some things through the last twenty four months 30 00:01:51,707 --> 00:01:54,387 Speaker 4: and you know, just looking to evolve those into something 31 00:01:54,427 --> 00:01:58,187 Speaker 4: pretty special again with all all things going may but 32 00:01:59,347 --> 00:02:01,867 Speaker 4: looking forward to Friday night, get one step at a time? 33 00:02:02,187 --> 00:02:05,147 Speaker 2: How you placed to have a crack? As you say, 34 00:02:05,147 --> 00:02:07,347 Speaker 2: one game at a time, But the overall picture, how 35 00:02:07,347 --> 00:02:09,027 Speaker 2: do you fee your place going into the season to 36 00:02:09,427 --> 00:02:10,787 Speaker 2: have a crack at going back to back? 37 00:02:13,667 --> 00:02:16,467 Speaker 4: Well, the reality is, as I said before, we start again, 38 00:02:16,627 --> 00:02:19,267 Speaker 4: and we've got a new group. The group's just trying 39 00:02:19,307 --> 00:02:23,387 Speaker 4: to win this one, not necessarily focusing on anything else. Look, 40 00:02:23,427 --> 00:02:25,467 Speaker 4: if you look through our roster, we've got a very 41 00:02:25,467 --> 00:02:29,547 Speaker 4: strong group, such an exciting group, mixed of some really 42 00:02:30,067 --> 00:02:34,947 Speaker 4: experience and and some youthful exuberance and it's a lovely blend. 43 00:02:34,987 --> 00:02:38,467 Speaker 4: And you know, the group's really molded well over the 44 00:02:38,587 --> 00:02:44,987 Speaker 4: last two months. The All Blacks are hungry. The senior 45 00:02:44,987 --> 00:02:47,907 Speaker 4: boys are desperate to do well, and the young ones 46 00:02:47,907 --> 00:02:50,667 Speaker 4: that were just trying to support them and replicate in 47 00:02:50,747 --> 00:02:53,907 Speaker 4: behind the scenes and they're thinking an opportunity, they'll be hungry. 48 00:02:53,987 --> 00:02:58,747 Speaker 4: So it's all you know, I guess from our perspective 49 00:02:58,787 --> 00:03:02,387 Speaker 4: as a coach management group, we've we feel as though 50 00:03:02,427 --> 00:03:05,467 Speaker 4: we're in a good place and yeah, it'll all come 51 00:03:05,507 --> 00:03:07,387 Speaker 4: to fruish and on fire. I have to see exactly 52 00:03:07,387 --> 00:03:09,667 Speaker 4: where we are and the contest still be a brutal one, 53 00:03:09,667 --> 00:03:10,107 Speaker 4: I'm sure. 54 00:03:10,227 --> 00:03:11,547 Speaker 3: Indeed, indeed, theres always. 55 00:03:11,667 --> 00:03:14,227 Speaker 2: Can I ask you about a couple of positions, Rob 56 00:03:14,547 --> 00:03:18,627 Speaker 2: first five, James O'Connor no longer with you, Kemeraa Rivers, 57 00:03:18,667 --> 00:03:22,787 Speaker 2: Rayhanna and new player James White. What's your thinking around 58 00:03:22,827 --> 00:03:24,107 Speaker 2: how are you going to how are you going to 59 00:03:24,147 --> 00:03:25,387 Speaker 2: mention your first fives this year? 60 00:03:26,987 --> 00:03:32,107 Speaker 4: Look, they'll get opportunity, you know, someone will always, I 61 00:03:32,147 --> 00:03:34,827 Speaker 4: guess over the period, will put their hand up and 62 00:03:34,867 --> 00:03:38,387 Speaker 4: just get their nose in front. But we're so excited 63 00:03:38,427 --> 00:03:40,747 Speaker 4: and fortunate to have the depth of talent we've got there. 64 00:03:42,467 --> 00:03:45,107 Speaker 4: You know, Rivers really came of age towards the back 65 00:03:45,187 --> 00:03:47,547 Speaker 4: end of last year, leading us to the to the 66 00:03:47,627 --> 00:03:50,027 Speaker 4: Championship and then going away with the New Zealand fifteen 67 00:03:50,067 --> 00:03:55,147 Speaker 4: and guiding that group. Taha was exemplary early on until 68 00:03:55,147 --> 00:03:57,467 Speaker 4: his injury which saw them out for the rest of 69 00:03:57,507 --> 00:03:59,227 Speaker 4: the campaign. But the two of them are going to 70 00:03:59,227 --> 00:04:04,467 Speaker 4: be Hammer and Tongs. They've got a great relationship. And 71 00:04:04,987 --> 00:04:07,907 Speaker 4: James White someone who we're excited about, got a lot 72 00:04:07,907 --> 00:04:09,987 Speaker 4: of talent and you know we're just going to keep 73 00:04:10,027 --> 00:04:13,107 Speaker 4: them solid and just keep them growing and they'll undoubtedly 74 00:04:13,227 --> 00:04:17,227 Speaker 4: be times that he'll be needed as well. So it's 75 00:04:17,267 --> 00:04:21,067 Speaker 4: a look at a we're blessed with the talent and 76 00:04:21,827 --> 00:04:24,147 Speaker 4: you know we've just got to maximize them as a 77 00:04:24,147 --> 00:04:26,747 Speaker 4: coaching group to ensure that we can do all things. 78 00:04:27,067 --> 00:04:29,547 Speaker 2: And you got the same, the same depth of talent. 79 00:04:29,947 --> 00:04:32,507 Speaker 2: One in at halfback, Noah, Hope them, Cayle Preston, both 80 00:04:32,547 --> 00:04:36,787 Speaker 2: all blacks, Louis Chapman terrific, young number nine. Is it 81 00:04:36,827 --> 00:04:39,227 Speaker 2: the same again, Rob. They'll all get their opportunity at 82 00:04:39,227 --> 00:04:42,147 Speaker 2: some stage and have to work together for the betiment 83 00:04:42,187 --> 00:04:44,187 Speaker 2: of the team during each match week. 84 00:04:45,027 --> 00:04:49,147 Speaker 4: Yeah, it's a pretty simple philosophy as far as that goes. Yeah, absolutely, 85 00:04:49,227 --> 00:04:54,987 Speaker 4: It'll be almost a little bit harty for Coursey early on. 86 00:04:55,107 --> 00:04:59,867 Speaker 4: But you know, Louis Chapman probably the form nine of 87 00:04:59,907 --> 00:05:04,307 Speaker 4: the MPC. The other boys away on international duty or injured, 88 00:05:05,827 --> 00:05:08,107 Speaker 4: so and we've got MS Strummond and our and our 89 00:05:08,147 --> 00:05:14,267 Speaker 4: wider who's vastly experienced. So yeah, you would expect Narah 90 00:05:14,267 --> 00:05:17,747 Speaker 4: and Kyle to be fighting it out initially and then 91 00:05:18,067 --> 00:05:22,067 Speaker 4: Louis's opportunity will come, no doubt, And yeah we'll see 92 00:05:22,107 --> 00:05:24,547 Speaker 4: where the cards lie at that as there's the season 93 00:05:24,547 --> 00:05:27,547 Speaker 4: on folds. But it's another very competitive position. 94 00:05:27,907 --> 00:05:30,987 Speaker 2: You've got Leicester fighting and Luku back after a stint 95 00:05:30,987 --> 00:05:34,387 Speaker 2: with too long. Where are we most likely to see 96 00:05:34,467 --> 00:05:36,987 Speaker 2: him play in terms of position. 97 00:05:38,267 --> 00:05:40,587 Speaker 4: You're probably on the edge or in the middle somewhere. 98 00:05:41,547 --> 00:05:42,827 Speaker 3: That's a very broad. 99 00:05:44,467 --> 00:05:49,467 Speaker 4: He's so capable and he's so open minded. You know 100 00:05:49,507 --> 00:05:53,467 Speaker 4: he had ten minutes and number eight yesterday. He's a 101 00:05:53,587 --> 00:05:57,547 Speaker 4: very talented, energetic guy with a great rugby brain and 102 00:05:57,627 --> 00:06:01,427 Speaker 4: someone that wants to challenge the boundaries of norm of 103 00:06:01,467 --> 00:06:06,187 Speaker 4: the norm, I guess, But for us in the early 104 00:06:06,387 --> 00:06:11,467 Speaker 4: stages until we see him better, and like he's been 105 00:06:11,467 --> 00:06:13,787 Speaker 4: away for a couple of years and I straight to 106 00:06:13,987 --> 00:06:16,867 Speaker 4: him back. His enthusiasm and energy and his ability is 107 00:06:17,867 --> 00:06:23,587 Speaker 4: well known. But he'll probably being around the we at 108 00:06:23,827 --> 00:06:25,747 Speaker 4: the edge of the midfield initially. 109 00:06:25,747 --> 00:06:29,027 Speaker 2: Anyway, Scott Barrett's taking an extended break at the start 110 00:06:29,067 --> 00:06:32,267 Speaker 2: of the season. When are you expecting to have him back. 111 00:06:33,747 --> 00:06:38,667 Speaker 4: He's talked about around ten to eleven, so you know, 112 00:06:38,747 --> 00:06:43,427 Speaker 4: the back end of our second bye, I guess. And 113 00:06:44,667 --> 00:06:47,187 Speaker 4: you know, it's great to see him about. He's been 114 00:06:47,227 --> 00:06:50,587 Speaker 4: in and about in a really informal ways. He's taken 115 00:06:50,587 --> 00:06:53,627 Speaker 4: the opportunity as he should do, to clear his head 116 00:06:53,667 --> 00:06:55,547 Speaker 4: and get his body right, and he seems to be 117 00:06:57,227 --> 00:06:59,987 Speaker 4: excited about being in the gym and starting that process again. 118 00:07:00,067 --> 00:07:06,267 Speaker 4: And but you know, our focus at the moment is 119 00:07:06,547 --> 00:07:09,107 Speaker 4: on the on the young men that are competing to 120 00:07:10,787 --> 00:07:14,747 Speaker 4: do the job for us, and you know, we've got 121 00:07:14,907 --> 00:07:18,667 Speaker 4: obviously scooped back at some point in the season. We 122 00:07:18,707 --> 00:07:20,587 Speaker 4: hope that the lads, and we know the leads that 123 00:07:20,627 --> 00:07:22,427 Speaker 4: are going to take the opportunity will make it really, 124 00:07:22,467 --> 00:07:24,547 Speaker 4: really difficult for Scoot just to walk back. 125 00:07:24,587 --> 00:07:27,547 Speaker 2: And Cardie Tyler took a similar sabbatical, didn't he in 126 00:07:27,547 --> 00:07:29,867 Speaker 2: twenty twenty four and it was I remember quite keenly 127 00:07:29,907 --> 00:07:32,947 Speaker 2: felt as your injuries piled up. Is there any concern 128 00:07:33,067 --> 00:07:34,707 Speaker 2: that you that you'll miss Scott's influence? 129 00:07:35,667 --> 00:07:38,827 Speaker 4: Oh, no doubt, no doubt. And that's the challenge for us, is, 130 00:07:39,947 --> 00:07:44,107 Speaker 4: you know, Scoots a very influential part of our part 131 00:07:44,107 --> 00:07:48,547 Speaker 4: of our group as leadership. His maturity and the way 132 00:07:48,547 --> 00:07:53,547 Speaker 4: he leads by example in every area is is world class. 133 00:07:53,907 --> 00:07:58,227 Speaker 4: And he's been around enough of the lads for them 134 00:07:58,267 --> 00:08:00,667 Speaker 4: to pick up the bits that they need to pick 135 00:08:00,747 --> 00:08:06,547 Speaker 4: up on and now's their opportunity, which is really exciting. 136 00:08:07,427 --> 00:08:12,827 Speaker 4: And but Scoot, Scoot's presence won't be far from the group. 137 00:08:12,867 --> 00:08:17,067 Speaker 4: I've got no doubt. You know, he'll be in communication 138 00:08:17,147 --> 00:08:20,787 Speaker 4: with us as coaches and also a guiding light over 139 00:08:20,827 --> 00:08:22,987 Speaker 4: the leadership group until his return. 140 00:08:23,907 --> 00:08:26,347 Speaker 2: And Severa Reese is going to be departing at the 141 00:08:26,387 --> 00:08:29,267 Speaker 2: end of the season. He signed with Pepignon and France. 142 00:08:29,587 --> 00:08:33,107 Speaker 2: How keen And there's probably a sole question knowing Severin 143 00:08:33,187 --> 00:08:36,707 Speaker 2: is to leave the Crusaders club on a high. 144 00:08:36,787 --> 00:08:41,427 Speaker 4: Well, you'll know, you know, Baden and Er and Dallas 145 00:08:41,507 --> 00:08:47,107 Speaker 4: McLeod also exiting at the end of this campaign. Sevu 146 00:08:47,467 --> 00:08:51,227 Speaker 4: and the boys, uh as I said before, brought lots 147 00:08:51,267 --> 00:08:55,587 Speaker 4: of energy that that that I guess that going forward 148 00:08:55,827 --> 00:08:58,987 Speaker 4: the likelihood of them being Orblexes is probably reduced out 149 00:08:59,027 --> 00:09:02,227 Speaker 4: of that they've made known that their leaving. But that 150 00:09:02,387 --> 00:09:06,347 Speaker 4: group of men that are have had lead all black experience. 151 00:09:06,387 --> 00:09:10,147 Speaker 4: It's in a wonderful leaders within our environment are just 152 00:09:12,267 --> 00:09:16,027 Speaker 4: really fizzing to get this one under the underway. And 153 00:09:16,547 --> 00:09:18,987 Speaker 4: as I said before, you know, they they worked pretty 154 00:09:19,027 --> 00:09:22,027 Speaker 4: hard and it's just a privilege to watch them in action, 155 00:09:22,107 --> 00:09:24,587 Speaker 4: and their commitment to the the redd and back jersey 156 00:09:24,587 --> 00:09:28,467 Speaker 4: and the Crusaders brand is just without here. And you know, 157 00:09:28,587 --> 00:09:32,067 Speaker 4: look hopefully, you know, as the season unfolds, we can 158 00:09:32,107 --> 00:09:34,067 Speaker 4: see them produce some of their best body and they 159 00:09:34,067 --> 00:09:36,227 Speaker 4: can go out in a way and which truly reflects 160 00:09:36,227 --> 00:09:37,507 Speaker 4: their commitment to us. 161 00:09:37,987 --> 00:09:39,747 Speaker 2: You took a bit of time after last season to 162 00:09:39,787 --> 00:09:42,867 Speaker 2: recommit to this this year as head coach. Was there 163 00:09:42,907 --> 00:09:45,027 Speaker 2: ever a time you thought you might not come back? 164 00:09:51,427 --> 00:09:53,427 Speaker 4: Well, I took time because I just wanted to make 165 00:09:53,467 --> 00:09:55,867 Speaker 4: sure that it was the right thing to do for everybody. 166 00:09:57,187 --> 00:10:01,107 Speaker 4: For me personally, I love the place, and I'm deeply 167 00:10:01,147 --> 00:10:03,307 Speaker 4: invested in it, always have been. You know, it's my 168 00:10:03,707 --> 00:10:08,067 Speaker 4: it's my home, and I just needed to ensure that 169 00:10:08,187 --> 00:10:13,227 Speaker 4: it was, you know, the right thing. I've always said, 170 00:10:13,227 --> 00:10:15,867 Speaker 4: if it's not the right thing, then you know, I'll 171 00:10:15,867 --> 00:10:19,547 Speaker 4: move and move aside, and I just wanted to ensure 172 00:10:19,587 --> 00:10:22,187 Speaker 4: that was the case. I think personally, you know, I 173 00:10:22,227 --> 00:10:24,987 Speaker 4: hoped it would be an opportunity to do another year 174 00:10:25,307 --> 00:10:29,267 Speaker 4: with this great group of young men and the wonderful 175 00:10:29,307 --> 00:10:31,867 Speaker 4: coaching and management group that I've got. It's it's a 176 00:10:31,907 --> 00:10:33,987 Speaker 4: real privilege in Ireland to turn up every day and 177 00:10:35,947 --> 00:10:40,267 Speaker 4: fortunate to be given another year. So I guess that's 178 00:10:40,267 --> 00:10:44,027 Speaker 4: a long winded answer. Sorry Piney, but that's probably where 179 00:10:44,067 --> 00:10:48,467 Speaker 4: it sat and ended up being another another opportunity to 180 00:10:48,507 --> 00:10:48,947 Speaker 4: do it again. 181 00:10:49,107 --> 00:10:51,227 Speaker 3: It's a great answer. How's your new stadium looking? 182 00:10:52,027 --> 00:10:59,707 Speaker 4: Oh? I haven't got enough expleted or enough enough. I 183 00:10:59,827 --> 00:11:04,107 Speaker 4: can't think of the right word. Yeah, just to express 184 00:11:04,147 --> 00:11:08,507 Speaker 4: how wonderful it looks. It's just incredible. Mate. We haven't 185 00:11:08,507 --> 00:11:10,587 Speaker 4: had an opportunity to get in it yet because the 186 00:11:10,707 --> 00:11:14,267 Speaker 4: handover hasn't quite happened. When I say that, we've been 187 00:11:14,307 --> 00:11:18,667 Speaker 4: in it in hard hats and high visas. But we're 188 00:11:18,707 --> 00:11:21,147 Speaker 4: really excited about getting on the grass and getting a 189 00:11:21,187 --> 00:11:23,907 Speaker 4: feel for it. But it's special, no doubt about that, 190 00:11:24,467 --> 00:11:28,307 Speaker 4: the way in which it's sort of been wrapped around 191 00:11:28,347 --> 00:11:31,827 Speaker 4: by the city and you know, all paths lead to 192 00:11:31,867 --> 00:11:35,227 Speaker 4: Takaha and when we're in there for the first time 193 00:11:35,307 --> 00:11:39,787 Speaker 4: I think twenty third of April Super Rugby weekend, it 194 00:11:39,787 --> 00:11:41,827 Speaker 4: will be a very special time for the city and 195 00:11:42,187 --> 00:11:43,387 Speaker 4: onwards and upwards from there. 196 00:11:43,507 --> 00:11:45,467 Speaker 2: Indeed, can't wait to be there for Super Round and 197 00:11:46,267 --> 00:11:48,507 Speaker 2: over un Zach weekend. Great chat, Rob, thanks for taking 198 00:11:48,547 --> 00:11:50,747 Speaker 2: the time. Look forward to catching up again across the season. 199 00:11:51,587 --> 00:11:52,147 Speaker 4: Yeah, pleasure. 200 00:11:52,747 --> 00:11:54,947 Speaker 2: Thanks for joining us, Rob, Robert Penny. They're kicking us 201 00:11:54,987 --> 00:11:58,347 Speaker 2: off our whip around the Super Rugby franchises, the New 202 00:11:58,427 --> 00:12:04,187 Speaker 2: Zealand based ones over this long weekend and it'll surprise 203 00:12:04,347 --> 00:12:07,907 Speaker 2: no one, I'm sure to find out that the Crusaders 204 00:12:07,907 --> 00:12:10,667 Speaker 2: are again among the favorites as far as the tab 205 00:12:10,747 --> 00:12:14,907 Speaker 2: are concerned. Not the favorite, The Chiefs have favoritism even 206 00:12:14,907 --> 00:12:16,227 Speaker 2: though how many finals have they lost? 207 00:12:16,227 --> 00:12:16,827 Speaker 3: Now? Is that three? 208 00:12:16,907 --> 00:12:20,387 Speaker 2: The last three they haven't been able to get across 209 00:12:20,387 --> 00:12:23,387 Speaker 2: the line. Maybe this is their year. John o'gibbs is 210 00:12:23,427 --> 00:12:26,907 Speaker 2: their coach this year. Clayton McMillan, of course now coaching 211 00:12:26,987 --> 00:12:27,627 Speaker 2: up in Ireland. 212 00:12:27,747 --> 00:12:29,507 Speaker 3: John Ogibbs is their head coach. We'll have a chat 213 00:12:29,547 --> 00:12:30,467 Speaker 3: to him tomorrow. 214 00:12:31,347 --> 00:12:33,827 Speaker 2: The Crusaders, so yeah, as I say, they open their 215 00:12:33,867 --> 00:12:38,427 Speaker 2: campaign with the very first game of Super Rugby Pacific 216 00:12:38,467 --> 00:12:42,707 Speaker 2: twenty twenty six Friday night against the Highlanders down in Dunedin. 217 00:12:42,827 --> 00:12:45,947 Speaker 2: It's even though the Highlanders were dead last last year. 218 00:12:45,987 --> 00:12:49,027 Speaker 2: Whenever the Crusaders come to town they can always be assured 219 00:12:49,027 --> 00:12:53,707 Speaker 2: of a passionate reception from those in the zoo at Forsyth. 220 00:12:53,747 --> 00:12:57,627 Speaker 2: But actually I think Jack Mesley, the chief executive of 221 00:12:57,667 --> 00:12:59,987 Speaker 2: Super Rugby Pacific, is going to be in the zoo 222 00:13:00,747 --> 00:13:03,387 Speaker 2: on Friday night. I heard a whisper that he was 223 00:13:03,427 --> 00:13:06,347 Speaker 2: gonna he'll have to change his clothes. He can't get it. 224 00:13:06,427 --> 00:13:09,907 Speaker 2: They're in a suit, Kenny. He'll have to dress up 225 00:13:09,947 --> 00:13:15,547 Speaker 2: like a scarfee to blend in anyway. Highlanders Crusaders to 226 00:13:15,627 --> 00:13:20,027 Speaker 2: start the Crusaders season on Friday. Then the following Sunday 227 00:13:20,187 --> 00:13:23,587 Speaker 2: they welcome the Brumbies to They're going back to their 228 00:13:23,627 --> 00:13:26,467 Speaker 2: old their old digs. The new stadium not ready until 229 00:13:26,467 --> 00:13:29,947 Speaker 2: Anzac weekend, so they'll be back to Apollo Project. We 230 00:13:29,987 --> 00:13:34,427 Speaker 2: thought we'd said goodbye to that place when we had 231 00:13:34,467 --> 00:13:37,987 Speaker 2: the final there last year, but then it became apparent 232 00:13:38,027 --> 00:13:41,187 Speaker 2: that they would still need that ground for the first 233 00:13:41,187 --> 00:13:44,427 Speaker 2: few rounds. So it's the Brumbies and then the following 234 00:13:44,427 --> 00:13:47,707 Speaker 2: Saturday it's away to the Chiefs. So once that goes 235 00:13:47,747 --> 00:13:54,067 Speaker 2: Highlanders away, Brumbies at home, Chiefs away, and then Blues away, 236 00:13:54,147 --> 00:13:58,667 Speaker 2: it's a pretty tough start, pretty tough start for the Crusaders. 237 00:13:58,667 --> 00:14:01,867 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 238 00:14:01,987 --> 00:14:05,267 Speaker 1: to News Talk said Be weekends from midday or follow 239 00:14:05,307 --> 00:14:06,867 Speaker 1: the podcast on i Out Radio