Crusaders apologise for poor play

Editor

The Crusaders are apologising to their fans for their inconsistent performances in this year's Super Rugby competition.

The seven-time champions have won just four of their nine matches played this season and are currently in 10th position on the overall table and fourth in the New Zealand Conference.

Last weekend they suffered 26-9 home defeat to the Chiefs in Christchurch – a result which saw several supporters streaming out of their AMI Stadium headquarters before the final whistle.

Assistant coach Aaron Mauger said the fans leaving the stadium as well as some angry posts on social media, really affected the team.

"We love the people that we represent and we know that they love our team," he told New Zealand's Radio Sport.

"That's probably why they walked out – they were disappointed and it hurt them to see that."

Mauger admitted that their attacking game wasn't up to scratch but said they are confident in their systems.

"We're not in a great position at the moment but we truly believe we can get ourselves out of it," he added.

"If we take that game by game approach and just nail each performance we'll give ourselves a chance to do that."