Rebels swoon over 'Saders
The Melbourne Rebels players have expressed their admiration for the Crusaders and were more than generous in their flattery for the seven-times Super Rugby champions.
Saturday’s clash will be the first Super Rugby match between the two sides, who didn’t meet in the regular season last year, while Todd Blackadder’s men did claim a 19-14 win in a pre-season fixture.
A number of Rebels sung the praises of their opponents and described the Canterbury sides as the best in the competition.
“They’re the benchmark team in the competition so they’re always consistent,” Kurtley Beale said.
“(They have) a very big forward pack and very creative backs out wide.
“It’s always a tough challenge, they are very clinical in their play, they do the small things well and are very consistent.”
Veteran hooker Adam Freier added to Beale’s voice in praise for the Crusaders.
“The Crusaders are by far and away the best team in the competition this year, they’re the competition favourites,” Freier said.
“The Rebels this year are looking to prove themselves, and coming up against the best team in the competition is a chance to see where we are at.
“To come up against world class players like Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, seeing them both on the field, it’s not just a good thing to play against, but also for the supporters to see these world class players at the Stockade (AAMI Park).”
Wellington-born hooker Ged Robinson explained that he can’t wait to test himself against the best.
“Playing the Crusaders for me is probably one of the games I look forward to most in the year, because you want to test yourself against the best,” Robinson said.
