Crusaders not burdened by history ahead of Super Rugby final
Rivez Reihana of the Crusaders celebrates with team mates after scoring a try.
Photo:
AAP / Photosport
Crusaders v Chiefs
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday, 21 June
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Live blog updates on RNZ
The Crusaders insist they won't be weighed down by their impeccable home playoff record in this weekend's Super Rugby final against the Chiefs.
The hosts have never lost a finals game in Christchurch, with last week's win over the Blues their 31st consecutive victory in knockout matches in the city.
Wallace Sititi of the Chiefs is tackled by Christian Lio-Willie of the Crusaders at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch.
Photo:
John Davidson/Photosport
The players have spoken about their desire to "protect our patch" in their final big game at their Addington Stadium after 14 seasons at the "temporary" ground, and Crusaders fans will be bitterly disappointed if that winning streak is ended on Saturday night.
However, coach Rob Penney is adamant his side aren't under any more pressure than normal.
"We're just focused on what's next. History is history," Penney said.
"It is what it is. We're not even thinking about anything like that. We're just thinking about the contest ahead of us, which is really exciting."
Crusaders coach Rob Penney.
Photo:
Derek Morrison
The match is almost sold out with a final release of tickets set for Thursday.
"Lovely feel good factor. I guess it's a reflection on how much the locals appreciate what the boys have done and to get it (the final) at home is a great thrill.
"There's also no understating their (the fans) impact."
The Crusaders have been beaten twice by the Chiefs this season, with the most recent defeat last month in Christchurch.
Penney isn't concerned by those results.
"We got a group capable of winning and as I said before, the past is the past," Penney said.
"This is a one off occasion. We're at home in front of our people. Last time we're at Orangetheory (Apollo Projects Stadium) and that's just going to be such an a magic occasion. I think this is a game fitting of of the farewell for the stadium as well."
The performance of Crusaders first-five Rivez Reihana will have a bearing on which way the final goes with the playmaker gearing up for the biggest match of his career.
Rivez Reihana of the Crusaders makes a break.
Photo:
AAP / Photosport
The 25-year-old former Chiefs player has been impressive for the Crusaders this season with some pundits describing him as a "revelation" for the side.
Penney said he always knew Reihana was a quality player.
"For us, Rivez is not a revelation. We knew what he was capable of," Penney said.
"His performances are worthy of a young man of his calibre and it's just come on the back of consistent time.
"Tens (first-fives) notoriously just need time in the saddle. He's had a lot of experience in environments without actually getting a lot of starts and now he's got a consistent run. I couldn't be prouder of the man."
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