Crusaders slowly attacking top of ladder

The Crusaders are slowly launching their assault on the top of the Super Rugby ladder.

They've recorded their third straight win, 37-33 over the Waratahs including a four try bonus point.

To add to that, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw made his return to the rugby field after his foot injury.

He says they're building ominously.

"Good teams are the ones that keep building performances... You've got to do the prep work right and I think that's our challenge now."

Centre Robbie Fruean has put his hand up for All Blacks selection with an outstanding showing with a double, and being involved in plenty of other plays in the win in Sydney.

McCaw says Fruean is making a strong case to be a part of this year's test campaign.

"If he does that every week then yeah those guys've got to start looking to him. That's the key, is to back performances up like that every week and I think that's always a sign of players that are really good at what they do, regardless of who you're playing or what the week's like."

He says Fruean can secure an All Blacks spot with some consistency.

"That's, I guess, the challenge for Robbie is to keep backing those performances up because we sort of know he's undoubtedly got skills to cause some havoc."

The Crusaders are sixth on the overall ladder and third in the New Zealand conference, just a point behind the Highlanders.

Photo: Photosport