Chiefs seek to send coach Clayton McMillan off as a Super Rugby champion
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan.
Photo:
Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Crusaders v Chiefs
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday, 21 June
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Live blog updates on RNZ
The Chiefs would love to end a 12-year wait for a Super Rugby title and 'Do it for Donk' in the process.
The Hamilton based side, beaten finalists the past two seasons, take on the Crusaders and their formidable home playoff record in Saturday night's final in Christchurch.
The Crusaders are chasing a record 13th title but the Chiefs have just as many reasons to be motivated.
The Chiefs haven't won a Super Rugby title since 2013.
Photo:
John Davidson/Photosport
It will be the last game as Chiefs head coach for Clayton McMillan, who's heading to Ireland to take charge of Munster.
All Blacks first-five Damian McKenzie said McMillan's impending departure was one of several factors driving the Chiefs.
"Do it for Donk (McMillan). Do it for the region. Do it for our fans and our families," McKenzie said.
"The support we've had throughout the year has been amazing. We've been disappointed in the last few years where we haven't quite been able to to win a final. So, it's it's not only just doing it for guys who are leaving, it's also for guys who have been here in the past.
"We've got a lot to play for and a lot of motivation."
Luke Jacobson (Captain) of the Chiefs.
Photo:
Jeremy Ward
All Blacks loose forward Luke Jacobson said McMillan would never want the focus to be on him.
"Donk will be the first to say it. It's not about Donk. It's about the Chiefs as a whole. It's bigger than any individual," Jacobson said.
"It's better than just our players. It's our fans. It's our wider community, management, commercial team."
Though Jacobson concedes McMillan's departure would leave a big hole at the Chiefs.
"Donk's been a hugely influential part of the Chiefs since he's come in. First year coming in, taking us to the final and turning us around from what wasn't a great period for for the Chiefs.
"I think he was able to look at us from the outside and then come in and give us some real direction and purpose and he built up a young group into what you're seeing now," Jacobson said.
"We were a pretty young group back then and he was right in the centre of it making it all happen. He's been huge for this club and he's going to be missed."
Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs.
Photo:
Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
McKenzie said McMillan should take plenty of credit for turning the Chiefs into consistent title contenders.
"We're going to miss his presence around the place.
"He's held in high regard and well respected. The job he's done since he's came into the Chiefs (has been great) and he's really built our culture.
"You know he's the boss. When he talks, you listen. He's a guy you would definitely follow into battle.
"He's going be sorely missed, so hopefully we can send him off in a good way."
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