1
‘It’s our time’: Why the Chiefs 'don’t fear’ the Crusaders’ dynasty
By
Finn Morton
From practically the opening whistle of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign, the Chiefs have proven themselves to be a cut above the rest.
ADVERTISEMENT
But it all comes down to this. On Saturday, the Chiefs’ practically perfect campaign will either be rendered an overwhelming success or defined by a heartbreaking defeat.
Standing in their way of Super Rugby glory – what would be their first title since 2013 – are the champion Crusaders. The Crusaders’ dynasty of six titles in as many years is unmatched, and could extend to seven this weekend.
But the Chiefs don’t “fear” their opponents. Rather, they’re out to forge their own legacy.
“I imagine they take some confidence out of their legacy of being able to step up on the big stage. There’s no point denying that, it is what it is, but we certainly don’t fear it,” coach Clayton McMillan said, as reported by Newshub.
“We think we have a real chance to create a little bit of a legacy for ourselves and it starts on Saturday.
“I’ve been fortunate to be involved in some pretty big games, but this is big for the club and the region.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We acknowledge the magnitude of the occasion, but the boys are excited about it.
“The last couple of weeks have been the toughest, because we came p against opposition that were good teams, had a lot to gain and not a lot to lose, and they can be tough games.
“We’ve earnt the opportunity to play at home. I won’t say the hard work is done, but the stuff that makes you anxious has been pushed to the side.
“Now there’s just genuine excitement.”
The Chiefs started their season with an emphatic 21-point win over the Crusaders at Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium.
Replacement Cortez Ratima sent the visitors into a frenzy with an incredible try during the second half – linking up with playmaker Josh Ioane on a play that started inside their own half.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Hamilton-based franchise continued to overcome each and every task that was thrown at them for most of the season.
Sitting comfortably in first place on the ladder, the Chiefs recorded another win over the Crusaders – beating them by 10 points in Hamilton.
While the Chiefs’ flawless run came to a surprising end at the hands of the Queensland Reds in New Plymouth, the loss didn’t put a dent in their championship credentials.
They were widely seen as the favourites heading into the playoffs.
The Chiefs have done it tough in the finals though, having recorded two tough wins over the Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies.
As for the Crusaders, they’ve gone big in both their quarter and semi-final – including a 52-15 win over Beauden Barrett’s Blues last Friday.
But McMillan explained why that one-sided result has actually done the Chiefs “a lot of favours.”
“The way that the Crusaders took it to the Blues to piece last week has done us a lot of favours,” he added.
“They played extremely well and all that’s done is raise awareness about what’s coming, not that we need any convincing.
“We know they can perform on the big stage, but I think it was better for us than seeing a tight contest.”
The Super Rugby Pacific final between the Chiefs and Crusaders at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium gets underway at 7.05 pm NZST on Saturday.
