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.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Yea, that draw sucks. I’m not across the Saders draw entirely, I know they have the Rebels here in Melbourne, so pleased with that as I missed taking the whole family to the scheduled ABs test last year (damn COVID). Needed a bit of luck, and needed DMac on song with the boot which hurt you. So uncharacteristic from his kicking this season. He was really dangerous with ball in hand though. Although he kind of played a hybrid 10/15 role, which puts him in line to be a super sub for the ABs but not a starter I think. Tough for such a talented player, be familiar story for a lot talented players who can’t secure the top starting spot. Good luck mate.
Im not expecting them in the TT final. They have a pretty average draw with Pert v the force then home v Brumbies then Reds in Townsville apparently ( which pi$$es me off as I live in Brisbane ) then home again so its a travelathon against the top 3 Aus sides...... Needed a bit more luck last night....Not to be!!!
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Commiserations mate. I know it hurts but the boys did you, the Waikato, and the whole of the Chiefs catchment proud. They put up a hell of a fight and on any other day could have walked away with the silverware. Great signs from the Mooloo men for the future (just hope Gats doesn’t come back and Fup it all up). Wouldn’t be surprised now to have the Chiefs in the TT final, and if they are not up against the Crusaders, I’ll be barracking for them.
:laughing: Sorry it aint working…..Is there such a thing as a underdog paying $1.25? :laughing:
Paulo
Roar Rookie
2nd is way better than many thought, and especially after the horror start, but definitely finishing strong and with momentum (last week aside but we know why), Crusaders definitely lost some momentum... do you think I’m convincing anyone we’re the underdogs?
AndyS
Guest
I am a little surprised that Nine hasn't elected to show this match as well. Not often they'd get the chance to show back-to-back finals, and it's their last chance to really pump up the tyres of Stan sport ahead of the TT.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Well you would all have to agree the Chiefs had had a wonderful season. Ticker galore!
WEST
Roar Guru
Come on Te Chiefs!!!!! Ki te kotahi te kakaho ka whati, Ki te kapuia e kore e whati!!!! Anything is possible, Argentina proved it against the All Blacks. Took Ireland 111-years for a victory over the All Blacks at Soldier Field, Chicago. On the day anything is possible. kia ora Rangatira!!
If the Chiefs lose I will be disappointed but I see them as a reasonable chance at the win. Either way 2nd is way better than the wooden spoon but 1st is better again. LOL Go Chiefs... Chiefs by plenty and 1 will be plenty thanks. :stoked:
Paulo
Roar Rookie
No secret I’m going for the Crusaders. But if the Chiefs win it will be a feat redemption arc and a fantastic fairy tale to come back from a record setting losing streak to topple the kings in their own castle. I will be the first to say congratulations if they do. - but they won’t - Crusaders all the way lol