Sam Whitelock's appointment as the captain of the Crusaders has coincided with the team flying to the top of the New Zealand conference, and edging closer to the Super Rugby playoffs.

OPINION: A golden run and no bloodshed.

Given the upward swing in fortune for the Crusaders, a side on the cusp of matching the 2002 team's record of 13 straight victories, it is a reasonable to ask how this has been achieved without any great upheaval among the squad.

Obviously there have been changes in the back office. New head coach Scott Robertson arrived with a fresh coterie of support staff, including backs assistant Leon MacDonald and scrum mentor Jason Ryan, along with a new manager, strength and conditioning coach and doctor.

GETTY IMAGES Crusaders coach Scott Robertson previously coached the Canterbury and the New Zealand under-20 teams.

Virginia Le Bas, a former detective superintendent in the NZ Police, also started as the professional development manager as a replacement for Angus Gardiner who had shifted into a high performance role.

But at the sharp end that really matters, among the playing squad, the transfer of power from former coach Todd Blackadder to Robertson has been smooth and without turmoil. Certainly there has been none of the carnage that sometimes ensues when a new boss is appointed at a sports club.

The Aussie rugby league scene creates plenty of entertainment for those not affected by the ructions. Look no further than the troubled Wests Tigers club, where the arrival of Ivan Cleary has resulted in a number of contracts being traded and key players looking elsewhere.

When Mark Hammett arrived at the Hurricanes in 2011, he had concerns about the attitudes of senior players and things got hot, very quickly.

Hammett, now an assistant forwards coach at the Highlanders, refused to sit on his hands when confronted with this issue and, subsequently, his relationship with All Blacks Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu and Piri Weepu, deteriorated at a rapid rate.

It proved to be one of the most toxic periods in the Hurricanes' history. Some fans turned on Hammett while the All Blacks management, intent on wrapping their arms around their players ahead of the World Cup later that year, quietly fumed.

Hammett was no sook, and refused to buckle. He told Hore and Nonu they were free to keep playing Super Rugby in New Zealand in 2012, just not at the Hurricanes. Weepu also went elsewhere.

It proved a masterstroke. Hammett, like a "change manager" forced to do the dirty work, stood-up for the good of the club and even though the Hurricanes never won a title during his tenure it is difficult to dispute the argument they have reaped the rewards in recent seasons.

Robertson, who told a panel of representatives from NZ Rugby and the Crusaders when he interviewed for the Crusaders job that he didn't want it unless the players gave him the nod, has had it much easier.

He inherited a large block of players already been contracted under former coach Todd Blackadder, and despite a dry run in terms of winning titles they appeared a content bunch.

Robertson, however, wasn't idle over the offseason and many of his fresh signings have proved valuable.

Internationals Seta Tamanivalu and Digby Ioane joined backline rookies Mitchell Hunt, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge and Manasa Mataele. Tim Bateman, having returned to Christchurch following stints in Japan and the Hurricanes, added depth to the midfield and ex-Blues halfback Bryn Hall had already been contracted by the previous regime.

Forwards Andrew Makalio, Oliver Jager, Quinten Strange, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis and Mitchell Dunshea were also fresh additions. Injury replacement Whetu Douglas proved a surprise bonus in the first eight weeks of the competition, before departing for Italy.

Robertson's decision to relieve All Blacks skipper Kieran Read of the captaincy, and award it to Sam Whitelock, signalled a desire to change direction.

Whitelock has provided another fresh voice in charge. The test lock isn't a yapper, relying on those around him to trust his judgement and earn respect by accepting the chance to play flat-out.

It is clearly working. Victory over the Rebels will be the Crusaders' 13th of the season, equalling the record set by the 2002 champion side that steamed through what was then a 12-team competition, unbeaten.

It might be enough to secure top billing in the NZ conference, with two games to play. At the very least, it will really force the Hurricanes, Chiefs and Highlanders to perspire

The Crusaders have also spilled their share of sweat and blood to get where they are. Mercifully for Robertson it has been on the field. The backroom politics have been much more timid.