Super Rugby champions the Crusaders have reigned supreme for quite some time now, having won six titles as many years. Their dominance is simply unprecedented.
Sports fans around the world have witnessed some incredible dynasties over the years, including Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and Tom Brady’s New England Patriots.
But a rugby team, who calls a small island nation at the bottom of the world home, is in the midst of one of the greatest eras of dominance in the history of the 15-player game.
Including their maiden title in 1998, the Crusaders have won 11 championships – as well as another two in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
That’s 13 trophies in 25 seasons. To say that’s dominant is an understatement.
While Crusaders fans have come to expect success from their team, there are 11 franchises eager to dethrone the champions this season – including last year’s runners up.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson believes the Blues will be “desperate and hungry” to win it all this season after losing last year’s final in Auckland.
“They’ll be desperate and hungry. They had a hell of a season, 15 in a row, won some tight games,” Robertson said on Weekend Sport with Jason Pine.
“The Blues are always a great rival, the Chiefs are pretty special. The semi-final was just as tougher or tougher in some ways than the final.
“Every one of those challenges is different. All New Zealand teams on their day are tough to beat.
“The Aussies have built their squads a big better, I think they’re better than they were two or three years ago, the Waratahs especially.
“We know the Brumbies and the Reds have got a great foundation to their team, a lot of Australian players, but for me the Waratahs are a big mover.”
As the adage goes, all good things must come to an end. Eventually, the Crusaders will reign no more.
