Robertson believes Crusaders have an advantage before the first game against Hurricanes

Crusaders Head coach Scott Robertson believes his side will have a slight advantage heading into their first game of Super Rugby Aotearoa against the Hurricanes this afternoon.

The three-time defending Super Rugby champions had a bye on the first weekend of the rejigged competition, which allowed them to observe the interpretation of the new rules.

Robertson says they were fortunate to observe how the other teams reacted to the new rules and how it played out on the field.

With close to 30 penalties committed in last weeks game, Robertson says some of the penalties are not avoidable and players just got caught in the wrong position.

He says they have also been working on the breakdown areas as he has seen that due to the new rules there is more set-piece plays.

The Crusaders will be without captain Scott Barrett who is out due to a foot injury.

Cody Taylor will take over the captaincy role and will be assisted with the likes of All Blacks players Sam Whitelock, Mitchell Dunshea, Bryn Hall, Richie Mo'unga, George Bridge and Sevu Reece.

The Crusaders will face the Hurricanes at 3.35 this afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Blues defeated the Chiefs 24-12 last night.

[Source:RugbyPass]