Change is in the air for the Crusaders, but whether it's the scent of fresh opportunity or the stink of impending doom, time will tell. The New Zealand rugby powerhouse is stirring things up with a captaincy shake-up, passing the torch from Scott Barrett to David Havili. It's a move that's got everyone talking, not least the team's wing wizard, Will Jordan, who's got some thoughts on what this means for the season ahead.
Barrett, who's been at the helm since 2020, is stepping down to focus on his game and personal growth. It's not your everyday switcheroo in leadership; it's more akin to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, according to some fans. But Jordan sees it differently. “Scott has been massive for us. But leadership is about more than one person. With David stepping up, it's a new chapter,” Jordan explains, hinting at the fresh dynamics at play.
“It’s a different voice and a bit of a different approach, which can be really refreshing,”
Indeed, Havili isn’t just another cog in the machine. Known for his tactical acumen and calm under pressure, he's expected to bring a new flavor to the role. “David has a fantastic rugby brain, and his style of leadership is very inclusive,” adds Jordan, suggesting that this isn’t a step down but rather a strategic sidestep.
The Crusaders are not strangers to adapting and overcoming. Their track record is a testament to resilience and tactical innovation. With the Super Rugby season looming, all eyes will be on how this leadership transition affects their game. Will the change disrupt the team's rhythm or will it inject a new vigor into their play?
As for Jordan, he’s all in. “We're backing Dave, and we’re excited. It’s about the team, and we all play our part,” he asserts confidently. This sentiment reflects the team ethos – a collective strength that has powered them through seasons and snagged titles.
Only time will tell if this change heralds a new era of dominance or if it's merely a blip in the storied legacy of the Crusaders. But one thing's for certain: the rugby world will be watching, popcorn at the ready, as the drama unfolds on the field.
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Change is in the air for the Crusaders, but whether it's the scent of fresh opportunity or the stink of impending doom, time will tell. The New Zealand rugby powerhouse is stirring things up with a captaincy shake-up, passing the torch from Scott Barrett to David Havili. It's a move that's got everyone talking, not least the team's wing wizard, Will Jordan, who's got some thoughts on what this means for the season ahead.
Barrett, who's been at the helm since 2020, is stepping down to focus on his game and personal growth. It's not your everyday switcheroo in leadership; it's more akin to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, according to some fans. But Jordan sees it differently. “Scott has been massive for us. But leadership is about more than one person. With David stepping up, it's a new chapter,” Jordan explains, hinting at the fresh dynamics at play.
“It’s a different voice and a bit of a different approach, which can be really refreshing,”
Indeed, Havili isn’t just another cog in the machine. Known for his tactical acumen and calm under pressure, he's expected to bring a new flavor to the role. “David has a fantastic rugby brain, and his style of leadership is very inclusive,” adds Jordan, suggesting that this isn’t a step down but rather a strategic sidestep.
The Crusaders are not strangers to adapting and overcoming. Their track record is a testament to resilience and tactical innovation. With the Super Rugby season looming, all eyes will be on how this leadership transition affects their game. Will the change disrupt the team's rhythm or will it inject a new vigor into their play?
As for Jordan, he’s all in. “We're backing Dave, and we’re excited. It’s about the team, and we all play our part,” he asserts confidently. This sentiment reflects the team ethos – a collective strength that has powered them through seasons and snagged titles.
Only time will tell if this change heralds a new era of dominance or if it's merely a blip in the storied legacy of the Crusaders. But one thing's for certain: the rugby world will be watching, popcorn at the ready, as the drama unfolds on the field.