After agonising over whether to take up an overseas coaching assignment with Fiji in a Covid-19 dead zone, Jason Ryan grimaced as he made a chilling call home to loved ones in Christchurch.
The professional rugby opportunity of a lifetime ended up resembling a near-death experience in France for the Crusaders assistant coach, when he was enveloped in a team-wide outbreak of the contagious virus.
Ryan was far from the jovial character he typically displays during training sessions with the Super Rugby Aotearoa champions, when revisiting his close encounter with the global pandemic. The specialist forwards coach had reservations about joining Vern Cotter’s Fiji squad for the eight-team Autumn Nations Cup, and those concerns were realised two weeks into the trip when he tested positive on November 15.
Initially Ryan brushed off the result – one of 29 positives among a tour party of 42 – at Fiji’s base in Limoges. “I felt fine, no problem. For the next couple of days I was training with coaches, we were getting on with it, we were training from a distance, isolated and doing everything right.” Then his health took a sinister turn. “On the fourth day it just hit me, it dropped me. It was tough. I went through the process you read about. You lose your taste and smell.” Ryan’s breathing deteriorated to such an extent he was taken to hospital for a heart scan, fearing the worst: “I said ‘Doc, there’s a couple of numbers here if I’m no good’.”Fortunately the scan was clear, not that Ryan, 45, was comforted as he returned to the team hotel, under the care of the squad’s two doctors. “I was aching and sweating at night. I felt like my body was shutting down,” he said.
A 180-game front rower for Sydenham, Ryan had been involved in plenty of collapsed scrums, but this pressure was unique. “It was like someone was standing on your chest. Imagine you go for a big run, then someone stands on your chest and you’ve got to breathe. I could only breathe about a quarter of the way in. “It’s hard to explain. It was the hardest time of my life, and the hardest part was facetiming family at home.” After a couple of updates with Cath and the kids, Ryan curtailed face-to-face contact: “I just gave up on it, I said: ‘It’s just not worth seeing me like this’.”
Ryan’s plight also prompted him to second guess his decision to tour, again. “Getting on the plane to the other side of the world is probably one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. I nearly stayed at home. A big cloud came over me, I’m thinking: ‘What am I doing here?’ Wales and Scotland were still in lockdown,” he said. “When we were walking through customs in Auckland there was nothing open, no duty free nowhere to eat and here we are getting on a half-full plane to Dubai.” During recovery Ryan was given reassurances by medical staff and techniques to aid his oxygen intake, though he still fretted in isolation. “They said in a couple of days you’ll be fine, your body is fighting it naturally, and I just didn’t believe it,” he said
Thankfully, the prognosis was accurate. “After a couple of days I thought ‘s**t, I’ve come back now, I’m breathing’,” Ryan recalled.
Eventually only two of the tour party avoided Covid-19, and in a testament to the team’s recovery – and determination – they managed to play one test, a 38-24 win over Georgia, after forfeiting games with France, Italy and Scotland. That victory at Murrayfield, is a particularly proud achievement for Ryan, who has enjoyed multiple successes alongside Scott Robertson.
“We went through some tough times together. We wanted to have a great week (before Georgia) and we did. I’m sure some resilience genes grew over that time,” said Ryan, who is contracted through to the 2023 World Cup, in France.
Ryan had a final Covid-19 test before flying home and received the ‘negative’ he had been praying for while in the departure lounge at London’s Heathrow airport. Safe back in New Zealand, Ryan completed a fortnight of managed isolation in Auckland before an emotional reunion with Cath and their teenagers Olly and Emma three days before Christmas. “It was unreal, Cath was unbelievable when I was away. It reiterates the importance of family and your support network,” he said. “They (the kids) knew what was going on but Cath (released) the information quite well I think. Mum and dad knew I was pretty sick too, but they probably didn’t know how sick.”
Ryan was grinning again at Crusaders training last week, cajoling the pack, relieved to get back to normalcy. “I’m just so grateful,” he said: “That was my 2020 word: Grateful.”
The Crusaders 2021 Thread
Jase Ryan on his Brush with COVID while touring with Fiji last year.
2021 Jersey's are out, glad to be rid of that terrible blue/grey away strip
Home:
Away:
Home:
Away:
The all-new Crusaders Super Rugby alternate jersey is inspired by our environment – because our environment shapes who we are and the way we play. It begins with the backbone of our region – the mighty Southern Alps. From these mountains, the source of our strength, flow ancient glaciers, and our jersey features a pattern inspired by this glacial ice, reflecting both our legacy and our unstoppable momentum. The jagged edge pattern and the grey hue of the garment is deigned to adorn our players with the elements of this environment – ice covering stone, momentum born of strength and stability. It is finished with flashes of red and black – the colours of infinite potential and leadership, the colours of the Crusaders - Mā Pango mā whero, ka oti te mahi
what's that logo on the left sleeve?JPNZ wrote: Mon Jan 25, 2021 11:37 pm 2021 Jersey's are out, glad to be rid of that terrible blue/grey away strip
Home:
Away:
The all-new Crusaders Super Rugby alternate jersey is inspired by our environment – because our environment shapes who we are and the way we play. It begins with the backbone of our region – the mighty Southern Alps. From these mountains, the source of our strength, flow ancient glaciers, and our jersey features a pattern inspired by this glacial ice, reflecting both our legacy and our unstoppable momentum. The jagged edge pattern and the grey hue of the garment is deigned to adorn our players with the elements of this environment – ice covering stone, momentum born of strength and stability. It is finished with flashes of red and black – the colours of infinite potential and leadership, the colours of the Crusaders - Mā Pango mā whero, ka oti te mahi
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mrbrownstone
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:15 am
Real shame for Makalio. Will be a big loss.
Nathan Vella called into the squad.
Nathan Vella called into the squad.
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mrbrownstone
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:15 am
That's a shame for Sanders, but hardly a surprise. He had a good year last year, but the guy's a permanent sicknote.
I don't think we lose much from our best 23, but it's definitely a hit to depth:
6. Grace
7. Christie
8. Douglas
20. Blackadder
I don't think we lose much from our best 23, but it's definitely a hit to depth:
6. Grace
7. Christie
8. Douglas
20. Blackadder
Did you watch last year's comp? Sanders was arguably the Crusader's standout loosie in 2020. He certainly performed a lot better than Douglas, who had an absolutely dreadful season overall.mrbrownstone wrote: Wed Feb 10, 2021 4:34 am That's a shame for Sanders, but hardly a surprise. He had a good year last year, but the guy's a permanent sicknote.
I don't think we lose much from our best 23.
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mrbrownstone
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:15 am
Crusaders team to play the trial against the Highlanders:
Not really much you can glean from that, other than Fainga'anuku playing the second half at centre. Clearly that's a consideration.1st Half Team
1. Isileli Tuungafasi
2. Brodie McAlister
3. Michael Alaalatoa
4. Will Tucker
5. Quinten Strange
6. Ethan Blackadder
7. Tom Christie
8. Whetukamokamo Douglas (C)
9. Mitchell Drummond
10. Fergus Burke
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. Isaiah Punivai
13. Rene Ranger
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Josh McKay
2nd Half Team
1. Tamaiti Williams
2. Nathan Vella
3. Oliver Jager
4. Luke Romano (C)
5. Zach Gallagher
6. Anton Segner
7. Sione Havili
8. Brendon O’Connor
9. Ereatara Enari
10. Brett Cameron
11. Tomas Aoake
12. Tim O’Malley
13. Leicester Fainga’anuku
14. Timoci Tavatavanawai
15. Chay Fihaki
RESERVES: Siua Maile, Fletcher Newell, Mahonri Ngakuru, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
No Dallas McCleod in either team, does this mean Razor sees him and Goodhue as his preferred midfield? This game seems to be for giving the fringe players a go, so it must be the case unless he's injured.Not really much you can glean from that, other than Fainga'anuku playing the second half at centre. Clearly that's a consideration.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/sup ... ighlanders
You've got to feel bad for Jager, he's been so unlucky with injuries lately..
You've got to feel bad for Jager, he's been so unlucky with injuries lately..
Damned shame. He has been a key player for us.wet-socks wrote: Fri Feb 12, 2021 8:53 am https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/sup ... ighlanders
You've got to feel bad for Jager, he's been so unlucky with injuries lately..
Obviously watched the game last night even though I don't really get into preseason, was ok, what you would expect. Funnily enough the one person who stuck out for me was Garden-Bachop for the Clan, not for how good he was, but how much he looked like his old man when he was running. Used to reckon the same about Tom Taylor and Walter Little's lad, some jokers just got their father's gait etc.
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mrbrownstone
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:15 am
That's a shame for Jager, but like Sanders hardly a surprise. The guy seems to spend more time injured than fit.
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mrbrownstone
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:15 am
Fantastic. Bye, bye Brett, Canterbury won't miss you.
Very much my sentiments.
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Certain Navigator
- Posts: 324
- Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2020 8:34 am
Very harsh imho. Canty improved significantly in the last few games of 2020 with Cameron fulltime at 10. He certainly has limitations (mainly size-related), but has a great boot on him and it's impossible to fault his courage.
If the alternative is relying on Burke, Canty will miss him a lot.
5 years. So, nothing like Maitland, who was qualified before he ever arrived in the country and made his first appearance at 25.
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mrbrownstone
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:15 am
Shame to lose him, he's a great talent.
As a Crusader's supporter, I'm not concerned about this news. We have such a log-jam of quality back-three players coming through such as Jordan, Fiyaki & Fainganukuu.
I am however extremely concerned and worried about the quality and depth of our current loose-forward stocks..
Douglas is so over the hill, he won't last another year, Blackadder will probably break-down again, Sanders is already injured for the whole season. Grace is the only real talent in the loose-forwards we have left. The days of Taufua, Read, Todd etc.. are sadly missing.
Razor needs to poach some big ball-running number 8's from the Blues or Highlanders asap. We just have no big-bruising bodies or attacking threats there apart from Sione Havili. But he's only 105 kg. We need one of those monster 113 kg Blues loosies!
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mrbrownstone
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:15 am
Not season ending, but both possibly doubtful for next week.
Not ideal. Who plays fullback with Havili, Jordan, Bridge all possibly out? Fihaki?Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said Havili would go through the concussion protocols and is hoping All Blacks outside back Jordan will be fit for the first round.
“Dave getting a head knock was disappointing and so was the hit on Will [Jordan] with his ribs,” Robertson said.
“Outside that we’re fine. It’s important to get through with a clean casualty ward. Will is pretty sore, but we’re hopeful.”
stuff-logo
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mrbrownstone
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:15 am
Highlights are on YouTube for those interested.
I don't pay much attention to pre-season results, but what is concerning is that we received four yellow cards in 80 minutes of rugby (two per half). Will need to clean that up quickly.
I don't pay much attention to pre-season results, but what is concerning is that we received four yellow cards in 80 minutes of rugby (two per half). Will need to clean that up quickly.
Last edited by mrbrownstone on Sat Feb 20, 2021 10:14 am, edited 1 time in total.
ppl do keep forgetting reece played fullback for waikato...but yeah fihaki might be the obvious choice, ranger has been average so Leicester/jack midfield.. we could see that 2 try hero from last week that fijian, tamanananananaaanan get a start on the right wing.... was watching him, one of those weird "burly" wingers with gas.. not seen once since dwayne sweeney lolmrbrownstone wrote: Sat Feb 20, 2021 7:01 am Not season ending, but both possibly doubtful for next week.
Not ideal. Who plays fullback with Havili, Jordan, Bridge all possibly out? Fihaki?Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said Havili would go through the concussion protocols and is hoping All Blacks outside back Jordan will be fit for the first round.
“Dave getting a head knock was disappointing and so was the hit on Will [Jordan] with his ribs,” Robertson said.
“Outside that we’re fine. It’s important to get through with a clean casualty ward. Will is pretty sore, but we’re hopeful.”
stuff-logo
So excited that the season starts this friday night vs the Highlanders in Dunedin. Found this season preview from Liam Napier at the NZ Herald, its behind the paywall so thought I would post here.
The target remains firmly imprinted, with every team keen to knock them off their perch, but that never seems to worry the Crusaders. Not since Scott Robertson's unbridled, infectious enthusiasm arrived in 2017, anyway. Since then, the Crusaders have lost seven of 70 matches - a run that includes four draws for an 84 per cent win record. The Hurricanes burst the Crusaders' home bubble last year, ending their 36-match unbeaten streak in Christchurch. Otherwise, though, Robertson did it again to guide his men to a fourth straight title.
Whether it's fresh, inspiring themes or tactics, every year Robertson produces the goods. With just five defections from last year's squad only a brave punter would wage against the Crusaders retaining the Super Rugby Aotearoa crown. Last year's title earned added recognition as Robertson overcame losing 497 test caps, including Kieran Read, Ryan Crotty and Matt Todd, while captain Scott Barrett missed most of the year following foot surgery. Last year Cullen Grace's concrete shoulders emerged in the loose, the Timaru Boys' product making the All Blacks despite being restricted to two SRA matches due to a broken thumb. Jason Ryan continues to be an unsung hero of the franchise, too – keeping the Rolls-Royce forward pack that again features All Blacks Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Sam Whitelock, Barrett and Quinten Strange humming.
Changes have come in the coaching staff with Mark Jones returning home one year early and former All Blacks and Hurricanes utility Tamati Ellison, an astute rugby mind, recruited as a late defensive mentor. The Crusaders secured last year's title with one round to spare after sneaking past the Highlanders in Christchurch - their final-round trip to Eden Park was cancelled due to a Covid-19 breakout in Auckland. This year's format, thankfully, features a final that will significantly inflate tension and opens the door to an on-the-day upset.
Depth in the backline will be tested, particularly in the early stages of the competition while wings George Bridge and Manasa Mataele recover from injuries. Losing second-string hooker Andrew Makalio is another blow but under Robertson's proven guidance, the Crusaders remain a formidable beast.
Defining factor: Keeping Richie Mo'unga fit
After a slow start to the year, Richie Mo'unga played all but two minutes of the Crusaders' campaign to finish with a competition-leading 99 points. His influence steadily grew and, crucially, came to the fore when needed most – think the quick restart in the comeback victory over the Blues in Christchurch. n those big moments, Mo'unga wants the ball in his hands. He's at his best challenging the line; backing himself to put others into space. His line and goal kicking were not always up to scratch last year but, on form, he was the premier first five-eighth in New Zealand.
With Beauden Barrett in Japan this season, that should again be the case. The Crusaders lack depth at first-five, however. If Mo'unga went down they face a huge drop in class to Brett Cameron or David Havili, who, to his credit, is capable of filling any backline role. Losing Mo'unga would be a body blow to title aspirations.
Positional battle: Midfield
Braydon Ennor's absence for the SRA season with a ruptured ACL, suffered in last year's North against South match, leaves the Crusaders with a midfield conundrum. Leicester Fainga'anuku, Havili, Isaiah Punivai, Dallas McLeod and Chay Fihaki are all options to fill Ennor's void. Rene Ranger is also in the mix, though only for the first month until Bridge and Mataele recover from pectoral injuries.
The interesting question is what impact Ennor's injury has on Jack Goodhue's position. Goodhue, in combination with Ennor, played second-five for the Crusaders last season. His best position, however, is centre where his decision-making and distribution skills are better utilised. Whether the Crusaders strike the right midfield balance without Ennor is an intriguing element to their campaign.
Under-the-radar prospect: Fletcher Newell
Props don't get enough props, so who better to thrown in the spotlight than Fletcher Newell, the tighthead responsible for breaking Blair Prinsep's Crusaders' academy squat record, with a 255kg lift. Noted for his work ethic and strong scrummaging, the 121kg Newell was New Zealand age grade player of the year in 2019 and will compete with established veterans Michael Alaalatoa, Oli Jager and fellow rookie, 140kg prospect Tamaiti Williams, for minutes at No 3.
Ins and outs:
Four promising rookies come into the mix and the Crusaders have two notable season-ending injuries - Ennor and Makalio - to contend with but, otherwise, their tile-winning squad is largely settled.
In: Chay Fihaki, Isaiah Punivai, Fletcher Newell, Tamaiti Williams, Rene Ranger (injury replacement, four weeks) Josh McKay (injury replacement, season), Nathan Vella (injury replacement, season)
Out: Braydon Ennor (injured), Billy Harmon (Highlanders), Fetuli Paea (Highlanders), Ethan Roots (released), Andrew Makalio (season-ending neck injury)
Prediction: Champions
Very little separates the Kiwi rivals. The Hurricanes proved that in their Christchurch victory last year; the Highlanders got very close to repeating the dose and the Blues had their chances, too. The Crusaders are far from unbeatable, but they continue to set the bar for clinical execution and, therefore, demand excellence of the highest order every week. With the Blues, their closest rivals last year, losing Barrett to Japan, the Crusaders start a nose in front.
“The Mitre 10 Cup is over. This is a Crusaders pack.”
That was the blunt message from Crusaders assistant coach Jason Ryan to a bunch of young forwards early in the team's pre-season. Forwards coach Ryan wasn't pleased with the execution during a lineout drill and was sure to halt proceedings to spell out the sky-high standards expected of the 11-times champions. They're a must if they're to continue their Super Rugby dominance and bag an unprecedented fifth straight title this year. Indeed, they're again the hunted. The team everyone wants to knock off the perch, the mob fans outside the Crusaders' region have had a guts full of them winning.
It's why Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson, who boasts a 59-3-7 record since taking over in 2017, knows he can’t rest on his laurels if the red and blacks are to remain on top. “Five years in. It doesn't feel like that. I'm still young, I've still got my hair and, hopefully, I've still got my smile and a bit of humour,” Robertson said. He sure did when he addressed media ahead of their season opener against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night. There was the usual jokes and banter from the only person to win three-straight Super Rugby titles as both a player and a coach, and there was the laser-focused side of him.
“We talk about how we can evolve our game, how we can get people connected, how we can get them excited and inspired to go again, that’s my focus,” Robertson said. “I’ve done a lot of work on the leadership group in the off-season, done a lot of work about how we can be better with our game management and dealing with big moments. Those things excite you to get a result.”
