Rob Penney pinpoints reason for Crusaders’ improved Super Rugby Pacific form
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney.
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney has opened up on his side’s improved form in Super Rugby Pacific in 2025 after they cruised to an emphatic victory over the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.
The Christchurch-based franchise delivered a clinical performance as they outscored their opponents by six tries to two en route to a 43-10 victory.
The result means Penney‘s charges are sitting pretty atop the Super Rugby Pacific standings alongside the Chiefs with 37 points amassed with both sides having played 10 matches.
The Crusaders are the most successful franchise in Super Rugby history and won seven titles in a row between 2017 and 2023 under the guidance of former head coach Scott Robertson, who has subsequently moved on to take over the coaching reins at the All Blacks.
Forgetful 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign
That meant Penney came in to take charge of the Crusaders in 2024 but things went pear-shaped under his guidance last year as they won just four out of their 14 matches.
That poor form meant they did not qualify for the play-offs for the first time since 2015 while it was only the fifth time since the inaugural Super Rugby season in 1996 that they haven’t advanced to the competition’s knockout stages.
However, they came out firing in 2025 and have already won eight out 10 matches played so far this year.
Their attacking play has been superb all season and when asked what has led to the improvement in that aspect, Penney said praised the work of his assistant coaches.
‘Exciting to watch’
“James Marshall and Brad Mooar have done a tremendous job, along with the leadership group, of creating a framework for us to unleash the talent that we do have and to build confidence in it,” he told reporters after Saturday’s match in Dunedin.
“It’s exciting to watch.”
Penney said a collective effort is the main reason for the turnaround in the Crusaders’ fortunes and all the members in his squad have done their bit in contributing to the cause.
“Just good men doing great work, simple as that really, we’ve got access to a really talented roster,” he added.
“Everyone’s working hard to keep them available for selection often, and lots of really good stuff is happening, and we’re reaping the rewards from it.”
