It's all business for Blackadder

 

The Crusaders have reached this stage of the competition more than any other team – they have also gone on to lift the trophy a record number of times.

 

However, Blackadder knows, both as a player and a coach, that external factors can be a massive stumbling block in such a pressure situation.

 

The coach is not dreaming of lifting the trophy just yet – having done so as a  captain three times previously.

 

When asked about lifting the trophy, Blackadder was coy.

 

"I wouldn't know, I can only imagine," was the coaches' response.

 

The last time the Crusaders lost out in the Final was in 2011 against the Reds and Blackadder is adamant that they have learnt their lessons – both about emotions and the travel involved.

 

The 2011 loss to the Reds in Brisbane was a big learning curve for the Crusaders.

 

The travel from Cape Town, where they had comprehensively beaten the Stormers in their semifinal, was a big factor, but so, too, were the heightened emotional levels of making a final after a season on the road because of the earthquakes.

 

"We took a lot out of that," he said of the 13-18 defeat at Suncorp Stadium.

 

"First of all we had been traveling around the world and we were far too emotional that week; it all came to a head.

 

"What we really learned, too, was that the simple basics let us down. 

 

"I look at the two tries they scored, they were around the ruck and it was simple systems stuff which we couldn't execute under pressure.

 

"I think we're in better shape this year, we've got a lot more time to get prepared for the game and all of those experiences we've had will serve us well.

 

"Normally what it comes down to is pressure and whether you can execute the basics right.

 

"Finals rugby is about being able to execute and really good decision-making at critical times."

 

Of course, Blackadder would have preferred the advantage of a home Final, but a three-hour flight across the Tasman should not faze him or his team.