The Crusaders don't need Australia's help to be on top of the Super Rugby ladder but they've got it anyway in the form of top NRL coach Craig Bellamy.
The Melbourne Storm mentor was in the Crusaders' coaching box at AAMI Park on Friday night as the defending champions crushed the Melbourne Rebels 55-10.
Crusaders. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Despite playing different codes, the two title-holding clubs, who share a long history of success, have formed a tight bond.
The teams had lunch together on Thursday and watched each others training sessions while Bellamy was given the honour of presenting the Crusaders with their playing jerseys before the game.
"Craig just talked about what he'd say to his Storm players and how he appreciated what we'd done as a Crusaders team," said Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.
He said he was a big admirer of Bellamy for his coaching success but also his relationship with his players.
"He's been hugely successful and the big thing about being a coach is consistency," Robertson said.
"He's won a lot of championships but his team has consistently performed for him.
"He's a pretty endearing bloke and he really cares about his players and that's what I like about him.
"He has some clear philosophies and principles he lives by and it's great to connect with someone and get ideas and it's been a great couple of days with the Storm crew."
Crusaders skipper Sam Whitelock said there was always something to learn from successful people and their organisations, be it in sport or elsewhere.
"No matter who you're talking to, whether it's a union player, league player, football or business as well, there's always going to be something to take," Whitelock said.
"There are things that reconfirm what you're doing it right.
"We are always trying to learn and get better no matter who it is off - I have a quick yarn with the ref after the the game to ask if there's anything that he saw because he gets the best view out there."
AAP