WALDROM PROVING AN IDEAL RIVAL FOR CRANE
0 Comments | Leicester Mercury, Jul 27, 2010 | by MARTIN CROWSON
Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill believes the signing of Kiwi No.8 Thomas Waldrom has already made a big impact on Jordan Crane.
The former Canterbury Crusader, nicknamed “Thomas The Tank Engine”, arrived in the country this month after swapping the familiar surroundings of the Super 14s for the Aviva Premiership.
The 27-year-old can play at blind-side flanker but he has made a name for himself as a tough and speedy ball-carrying No.8 who will provide Crane, below, with genuine competition for his spot.
It is a threat that Crane has not had for a while and Cockerill believes it has made the 24-year-old up his game from the minute Leicester announced Waldrom’s signature.
“As soon as we said that we had signed Thomas, Crane stepped up his performance and I thought he was outstanding in the Guinness Premiership final at Twickenham,” he said.
“He needs to make sure that he performs every week to keep his spot.
“Now, there is a guy offering genuine competition for his shirt.”
Both Crane and Waldrom have not been used to time on the bench during their career. Crane has made only 12 of his 103 appearances for Tigers from the bench while Waldrom has been a regular starter for provinces Wellington and Hawkes Bay, as well as Super 14 sides Wellington and the Crusaders.
Something will have to give. “They are two very good players,” said Cockerill.
“Waldrom is a bit looser than Crane but probably a bit more dynamic in speed.
“Having said that, Crane is the only person I have seen who carries the ball into huge tackles and keeps on doing it time after time.
“Jordan has played exceptionally well for us and Thomas knows he will not walk into the side.
“He will have to learn all about northern hemisphere rugby.
“It’s a good challenge for both of them – and that’s just how it should be.”
Cockerill said that Crane’s improvement had been immense in his time at the club since arriving as a 20-year-old from Leeds.
He is now back in the England set-up with the Saxons after a summer recharging his batteries.
“Crane has developed out of sight in his four years here and this challenge is the next stage for him,” said Cockerill.
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