Robertson happy with timing of Crusaders’ bye

Editor

After winning all six of their fixtures so far this season, Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson feels their upcoming bye comes at just right time.

Robertson is not worried about his side losing momentum by taking a break and is confident they can continue with their good form when they face the Sunwolves in Christchurch on April 14.

“Mentally, the bye is good timing for us,” Robertson told Stuff after his side’s  41-22 win over the Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday.

“We have nine big games coming up, with the Lions on the back of it. We will also go on tour to South Africa. We just have to make sure that when we come out of the bye, we keep that rhythm and energy and enjoyment.”

Robertson highlighted the importance of making full use of their break and to hit the ground running when they return to action.

“Everyone gets the whole time off, the coaches included,” he said.

“It is really important that we get away from “rugby heaven” – Rugby Park – and get ourselves refreshed mentally and come back in, and bring in plenty of energy.”

With Crusaders captain Kieran Read yet to play this year – while recovering from a wrist injury – and first-choice fly-half Richie Mo’unga sidelined with a hand injury sustained in the first round win over the Brumbies, Robertson is understandably delighted that his side are still unbeaten as they head into their bye.

“With the amount of guys we had to leave behind in the casualty ward, the guys that have stepped in has been remarkable,” he added.

“To finish these early rounds, as we have called it, before going into the bye – it is pretty special to go six from six.”