Page 20 - Crusaders v The Lions

At halfback Drummond has a a a a a a a crucial role to play in in the side’s performance His understanding of that was was made easier by the the the way he he he he was was introduced into the the the squad Starting out under the the the tutelage of former All Blacks Captain Todd Blackadder he he has matured into his his role this year under another former All Black Black Scott “Razor” Robertson a a a a a a a a coach who continued the outstanding Canterbury dominance of New Zealand’s domestic Mitre 10 Cup competition winning the the title in in in in in eight of the the last nine years Drummond explains that there had been no radical overhaul behind the the side’s Super Rugby success in in Robertson’s rst year “There hasn’t been too much of a a a a a change Obviously winning helps the team environment and we’ve been doing that that of late I think that that helps everything But the boys are really tight enjoy each other’s company and and it’s a a a a a a a a a good environment to be a a a a a a part of and and I just
“If given the opportunity it’s going to be a a once-in-a-lifetime experience ” look forward to to turning up to to work every day ” Drummond says “I’ve been lucky enough to work with with Razor for a a a a a a a few years with with the Canterbury team and and and he he he brings a a a a a a a a a lot
of energy and and and fun to the group and and and that is contagious When you’re having fun and enjoying yourself some good things can happen ” Along with with his success has come increased playing time with with extra sharpness induced by his competition with Hall Both have been great servants of of yet another product of of New Zealand’s Drummond poses for a a a sel e e e e e e with fans following the the Crusaders’ Super Rugby clash with the the Chiefs back in in May
ve-eighth factory Richie Mo’unga While he he hovers below the radar occupied by Beauden Barrett Aaron Cruden and Lima Sopoaga Mo’unga isn’t that far behind “[Richie and and I] have taken similar pathways through and and and we’ve got a a a a a a a a a a good combination going We get on on well and and we’re reading off the the same page when we we play together so that makes my job a a a a a a a a lot
easier ” Drummond says “Just how much his game has grown is is pretty obvious if you look at the start of last year to where he he he he he he he is now The way he he he he he he he leads the the the boys and drives the the the group through the the the week not just
on game night is awesome and you would think he he had been there for years ” And if Drummond and Mitchell Hunt get get on on the the eld together it’ll be a a a a special moment The pair grew up and and played all their rugby together in Nelson and and are now on on on the the the Crusaders roster “It’s a a a a a long way from where we 20 // OFFICIAL SOUVENIR PROGRAMME