Crusaders Put Winning Streak Down To Culture Shift

Assistant coach Brad Mooar believes there's been a significant shift in culture within the Crusaders.

Despite having fewer star names than previous years the Crusaders are second in the New Zealand Super Rugby conference and on a seven game winning streak.

Mooar said it's probably started with the coaching staff, and the desire to keep their selection and style fairly simple.

"There's a real air of enjoyment in the group, they like being with each other, they like playing with each other, and it's a good entertaining sort of style that I think we're starting to get to."

The Crusaders are sensing the desire of Marty McKenzie to crack their starting lineup.

While his brother Damian McKenzie has been in dominate form for the Chiefs, Marty has had limited game time in Super Rugby so far this year.

But he played club rugby during the bye week and scored three tries for University in a promising performance.

Mooar said McKenzie's work hasn't gone unnoticed.

"It wasn't just about getting minutes, he went and performed and that's great to see, and that's what we expect from any player. He has really upped his game around his preparation."

Mooar said the Crusaders will make minimal changes for Friday's match against the Reds as they look to extend their winning streak.

Without the services of Nemani Nadolo for the foreseeable future, the Crusaders hope to add some explosive power to their backline shortly.

The Fijian winger is suspended for the next three rounds of Super Rugby.

Mooar sayid Robbie Fruean is close to a return after damaging his pectoral muscle during the Christmas break.

"His actual injury is coming right, it's getting the other parts of the body right again after a bit of a lay off and rehabbing his injury then you start upping the running load and a big man, the calf tightens or hamstring tightens or something like that."

He said Johnny McNicholl has recovered from a toe injury and will be in selection contention.

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