No team has ever beaten the Canterbury Crusaders at home in 24 post-season matches, let alone a final, but that is the task facing the Waikato Chiefs if they are to take the Super Rugby Aotearoa title away from Christchurch on Saturday.
The Crusaders won the inaugural edition of the New Zealand competition last season without a final but the big red machine have claimed six of their record ten Super Rugby titles as hosts, with many of the finals not even close.
The Chiefs have already beaten the Crusaders once in Hamilton this year, however, and coach Clayton McMillan said his squad was heading south confident of what would be a major upset.
“On any given day, any team can be beaten, and we have proven that,” he said on Thursday.
“The Crusaders have set the benchmark for the competition and we respect they are a great side, but we have earned the right to be in the final and have a job to deliver on Saturday.”
(Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
McMillan, standing in for Warren Gatland this year while the former Wales coach carries out his British and Irish Lions duties, has overseen a remarkable turnaround at the Chiefs this season.
They battled back from 26-7 down at halftime to beat the Hurricanes in Wellington to snap an 11-match losing streak in Round 3 and did not lose again until last week, when they rested 11 players against the Auckland Blues.
Late penalties from the boot of Damian McKenzie decided the last three of the games in the five-match winning streak and the fleet-footed All Black returns to the starting line-up at fullback with Gatland’s son, Bryn, given the nod at flyhalf.
All Blacks skipper Sam Cane is a long-term injury casualty but the Chiefs pack will welcome back number eight Luke Jacobson from concussion, resulting in a shift to blindside for Fijian powerhouse Pita Gus Sowakula.
The Chiefs forwards will have to be at the top of their game to counter the home eight if they are to have any hope of a first win in Christchurch for five years and clinch a first Super Rugby title since their triumphs of 2012 and 2013.
Scott Robinson, who has led the Crusaders to four straight Super Rugby titles since taking over as coach, made only one change to his side from their last outing, bringing All Blacks centre Braydon Ennor back to the bench after a knee injury.
“Occasions like this are exactly what we play for, the chance to represent the people of our region on the big stage and play in front of our friends and family at home,” he said.
© AAP
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.
Thirty-three years after going down to Queensland in Brisbane, Warren Gatland’s Welsh side will complete their tour of Australia in July by once again…
The Brumbies have been given an early season reality check, as Stephen Larkham’s men were thumped by the Chiefs 46-12 at AAMI Park on…
The Chiefs face a worrying wait over the fitness of star No.10 Damian McKenzie, who was forced off early in the second half of…
As we finish up our list of the 50 players we think are set to make a splash in 2024, it’s important to recognise…
Super Rugby Pacific has been dominated by the Kiwis so far for a reason: incredibly strong depth. It’s the obstacle that the Australian and…
Super Rugby is set for a serious shake-up in 2024 with new coaches and players, and as the season progresses, many of the players…
