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Saturday’s Super Rugby qualifying final between the Crusaders and Reds was a great display of rugby.
I have no doubt the Chiefs will be a little nervous heading into this week’s semi-final against a team that looks to be in top gear and ready to steamroll any team that gets between them and a seventh Super Rugby title.
The only thing that took away from the occasion was the crowd.
The constant booing of Quade Cooper every time he got the ball or made a mistake was poor form.
This is Super Rugby, not the English Premier League, and personally I think the Quade Cooper vendetta has gone way past its used-by date.
In my book, there is no place for booing in rugby. That type of spite can stay in football as far as I’m concerned.
What makes rugby great is the fact that supporters from different teams can sit side by side and enjoy a game without getting into a fight, and even have a beer together afterwards, regardless of who wins or by how much.
I’m not suggesting our friends in Christchurch aren’t capable of being civil – but I do believe booing is bad sportsmanship, and the first step towards a culture of soccer hooliganism.
The Crusaders are one of the greatest rugby clubs on the planet. They play the game with skill, flair and class.
They are team that many clubs aspire to as they win most of the time, and do it with style.
It is a real shame then, that their supporters lack the same class.
Christchurch should lead by example in the same way the Crusaders do, rather than act like the bitter, tactless, chip-on-the shoulder mugs we saw on the weekend.
Thankfully, that was the first and last time we’ll see the Crusaders play at home during this finals series. Rugby deserves better.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.