Injured Crusaders midfielder Braydon Ennor believes his team can return to the top of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition this season despite their dismal performance last year.
The Crusaders had their worst run in the competition last year where they failed to make the playoffs after finishing 9th.
Ennor says they have done a lot of work on bonding as a team, going on camps, going out to the rural parts of the region and building together as a team.
He says they have got a few new things up their sleeves, but they definitely looking forward to seeing some action out there.
While reflecting on last year’s season, Ennor says they let themselves down.
The Crusaders were the only New Zealand franchise to fail to qualify for the Finals Series last time around, with the Highlanders placing sixth.
Ennor says a fresh start in 2025 is a redeeming prospect for them, as they still believe they are the team that can do it.
He says they put that on themselves as well as they like that feeling of being hunted.
He adds they are looking forward to getting out there.
The Crusaders will take on the Hurricanes at 6.05pm next Friday in round 1 of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Other matches in round 1 will see the Waratahs hosting the Highlanders at 8.35pm next Friday, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will host the Brumbies at 3.35pm Saturday, the Blues will take on the Chiefs at 6.05pm Saturday, and the Force will play Moana Pasifika at 8.35pm next Saturday.
The Queensland Reds will be on a bye.
