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Todd Blackadder - Source: Photosport -
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The Crusaders are aiming to lift earthquake-stricken Christchurch off its knees when they resume their Super Rugby campaign this Friday.
The seven time champions take on the Waratahs in Nelson, after AMI Stadium in Christchurch was rendered unusable following the deadly earthquake last week.
The players held a heart-to-heart meeting this morning at their new temporary base at Lincoln University to share their feelings after the quake.
Hard man Brad Thorn said he is overwhelmed by the way people have reacted to the tragedy.
"The thing thats coming out to me, it blows me away, on the positive side, from Queensland over to the West Coast with the tragedy there, now Christchurch and Canterbury just the way people have cared about each other," Thorn told ONE News.
The Crusaders agreed that it was no-brainer to call off last week's scheduled match against the Hurricanes and coach Todd Blackadder is keen to bounce back.
"Christchurch is a bloody mess, of course you've got to feel it, but i just felt our way we can pay back to our community is to serve it and do the best we can to help people and get their lives back together," Blackadder said.
One thing that may lift locals is the likely Super Rugby debut of All Black Sonny Bill Williams, who is fit for the Waratahs clash. Star pivot Dan Carter said Williams is rearing to go.
"Just by seeing his body language he's keen and ready to go, he offers a lot to this team," Carter told ONE News.
Carter said the team will try and put the terrible events of the last week out of their mind when they take the field against the Waratahs, who have had impessive wins in their first two matches.
"We've got this cross the line mentally, when we're out on the paddock that's all we're thinking about, when we're not training or playing we're going back and doing what we can to help others."
