Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has paid no attention to the epitaphs written for his Super Rugby side and expects the 12-time champions will return to their dominant ways.
The Crusaders suffered a stunning defeat to the rebuilding Waratahs last week, triggering headlines that their golden era is over.
Several time zones away in Perth, preparing his team for Western Force on Saturday, Robertson said he was oblivious to the chatter back home.
"It's the first I've heard of it," he said. "It's probably quite good to be away."
The loss to the Waratahs was the Crusaders' third this season, and the first time they have had three defeats in a single campaign under Robertson, who took over as head coach in 2017 and has guided them to five titles in five seasons.
Usually top of the table, the Crusaders are third behind the leading Blues and Brumbies.
Robertson warned against placing too much importance on statistics while conceding his team needed to improve.
"The longer you go on, the stats change," he said.
"You can compare over the last five years, but there is a considerable amount of change, players and in the group, and the players we've had out there.
"So we've just got to make sure we focus on them and get them right.
"We're certainly not at peak form. We've got a few things we need to address to get right, and we believe we will be where we need to be."
The Crusaders were reduced to 13 men at one stage against the Waratahs and Robertson will hope for more discipline from his players in Perth.
Lock Hamish Dalzell became their third player to be red carded this season with a high tackle on Michael Hooper, and joined Scott Barrett in suspension.
Robertson rested first-five Richie Mo'unga and three other All Blacks for the Waratahs, but all return for the Force, who will brace for a backlash from the visitors.
Reuters
