A Crusaders win not guaranteed
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite the Crusaders’ impressive record, none other than All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has warned the Lions have “every chance” of pulling off an upset.
The Crusaders are overwhelming favourites to win Saturday’s final in Christchurch after clocking up a 14-match winning streak and going unbeaten in 20 play-off matches on home soil.
However, the fact remains that the defending champions still have to go out and earn the prize.
Hansen, all too familiar with the favourite tag, recounted the hiding the All Blacks took at the 2007 World Cup in Cardiff when people didn’t think France would win and they had ‘smacked’ the All Blacks.
“Whilst you would expect the Crusaders to go out as favourites, and rightly so because they have played some wonderful football, there’s no guarantee they’re going to win it. They’re going to have to go out and earn it and it’s a pretty good Lions side.
“I think their [the Lions] forward pack is very good and some exciting backs. It’s not a given and hopefully the Crusaders get up and win it, it would be great to see them do it,” Hansen said.
Looking at the two teams it wasn’t possible to say who was going to dominate the scrums and lineouts so it became a case of who turned up on the night and got things right to provide the right amount, and quality, of football to the backs and both backlines were quite exciting, he said.
The Crusaders, however, know how to win this trophy while the Lions have become Super Rugby’s bridesmaids, losing the past two finals and seeking their second title.
AFP & @AllBlacks
