Crusaders defence makes them Super Rugby favourites?

Matt Todd makes the tackle (Getty Images)
Matt Todd makes the tackle (Getty Images)

By Cameron Russell

If you believe the phrase that defence wins championships, then you've got to feel pretty good about the Crusaders' chances.

After losing their opening round clash to the Chiefs, the Crusaders have stormed to an impressive seven straight victories as a result of coach Todd Blackadder's no-nonsense work ethic.

Blackadder, who is stepping down at the end of the season, took over the defensive coaching duties for the season and the team has flourished under his guidance.

Crusaders defence makes them Super Rugby favourites?

Todd Blackadder runs through a tackling drill (Photosport)

The Crusaders lead the competition in tackling percentage at 88 percent, which averages out to only 14.1 missed tackles per game -- the fewest in Super Rugby.

"It's really easy to measure teams on defense and that's how committed people are to putting their bodies on the line," Blackadder said.

"We've really taken a systems approach and the detail within is where the technique comes into that. Our guys are just constantly working on their tackle technique.

"It's just pleasing when the stats are high, it means everyone is doing the work and it certainly shows out there on the field.

"It probably suits my nature doing the defense as well because it's just hard yards and it's got to be done."

The Crusaders are overwhelming favourites against the Reds tonight and all of the visitors' players are paying double-digits at the sports bookies for first try scorer.

However that doesn't necessarily mean the Reds don't have a couple of players who could pose a threat.

Flanker Hendrik Tui has beaten 33 defenders with ball in hand (fourth highest in Super Rugby), while left wing Eto Nabuli is third in the competition with 17 clean breaks.

History certainly doesn't favour the visitors as you have to go back to 1999, when Blackadder was still playing for the Crusaders, for the last time the Reds won in Christchurch.

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